Levels of gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinases in periodontally compromised teeth under orthodontic...

To examine levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -12, and -13 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontally compromised teeth at different time points during orthodontic movement.

Ten controlled periodontitis subjects were submitted to orthodontic treatment. One dental arch was subjected to orthodontic movement, and teeth in the opposite arch were used as controls. GCF samples were collected from the lingual sites of two movement and two control incisors 1 week before orthodontic activation (-7 d), immediately after orthodontic activation, and after 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7, 14, and 21 days. Multiplexed bead immunoassay was used to measure MMPs in GCF. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon statistical tests.

The only significant change found over time was in the levels of MMP-1 in the movement group (P < .05). When the two groups were compared after activation, the only statistically significant difference found was in levels of MMP-12 24 hours after activation (P < .05).

Our findings suggested that the orthodontic movement of periodontally compromised teeth without active pockets did not result in significant changes in the GCF levels of MMPs.