Active Matrixmetalloproteinase-8 in Periodontal Diagnosis: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Oral Diagnostics

Background:

• Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing tissue and bone loss.
• Early diagnosis is crucial for managing periodontitis progression.
• Active-matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) indicates irreversible collagen breakdown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate oral fluid/salivary/mouthrinse aMMP-8 tests for periodontitis early detection.
• To assess the utility of aMMP-8 tests for monitoring periodontitis treatment.
• To review recent literature on aMMP-8 as a periodontitis biomarker.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases (2020-2024).
• Inclusion of pilot, cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies.
• Exclusion of narrative reviews, editorials, and opinion pieces.

Main Results:

• 26 studies were included in the review.
• aMMP-8 point-of-care tests show potential for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
• Elevated aMMP-8 levels correlate with active periodontal disease and tissue destruction.

Conclusions:

• aMMP-8 mouthrinse, saliva, or oral fluid tests are effective biomarkers for periodontitis.
• These tests can aid in predictive diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
• aMMP-8 testing offers a valuable tool for managing periodontal disease.