Quantification and Correlation of Salivary Tissue Inhibitor Matrix Metalloproteinases 1 and 2 Levels in Caries-free...

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteolysis is carried out by a class of enzymes called matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which have a broad binding range for various enzyme types, control MMPs. The purpose of this study is to quantify and correlate salivary TIMP-1 and 2 levels in children who are caries-active and caries-free.

A total of 40 children, aged 3-6, were split into two groups for the study: 20 in each group (caries-active and caries-free). Saliva samples that had not been stimulated were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Age, gender, and caries score will all be taken into consideration when estimating and correlating TIMP-1 and 2 levels.

TIMP-1 levels were statistically significant at p < 0.001 and ranged from 207.653 ± 51.826 pg/mL for caries-active and from 1042.023 ± 55.247 pg/mL for caries-free. TIMP-2 levels were statistically significant at p < 0.001 and were 169.143 ± 38.700 pg/mL in the caries-active group and 844.300 ± 37.793 pg/mL in the caries-free group. While TIMP-2 levels exhibited a very weak negative association, which was not statistically significant, TIMP-1 levels revealed a statistically significant, strong negative link with the caries score at p < 0.001. In both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between age and gender.

In comparison to those who are caries-active, it demonstrated a correlation with elevated levels of TIMP-1, indicating a protective function of this protein against dental caries. TIMP-1 may have a role in preserving dental health and preventing the progression of caries. Therefore, TIMP-1 detection can be considered as a molecular biomarker for early childhood caries (ECC) diagnosis.

Thimmegowda U, Sampreetha G. Quantification and Correlation of Salivary Tissue Inhibitor Matrix Metalloproteinases 1 and 2 Levels in Caries-free and Caries-active Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(12):1461-1465.