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Calprotectin and aMMP-8 as biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid in geriatric inpatients
Alicia Maria Meyer-Hofmann1, Gabriele Röhrig2, Steffen Büttner1
1University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Polyclinic for Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Cologne, Germany.
Background:
Accurate detection of periodontal inflammation and tissue degradation remains challenging in frail, hospitalized older adults with high periodontitis prevalences, where conventional diagnostics are often not feasible. Biochemical biomarkers such as Calprotectin (CP) and Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) may offer low-barrier, bedside-compatible diagnostic alternatives for the future. While aMMP-8 is already well-studied and rather reflects collagen degradation, CP is supposed to indicate neutrophil-driven inflammation.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study of 30 neurogeriatric inpatients (mean age 79 ± 6 years) with minimal systemic inflammation (CRP < 5 mg/dL), GCF samples were collected at bedside to assess aMMP-8 and CP levels and analyzed in addition to periodontal parameters [Probing Pocket Depth [PPD], Bleeding On Probing [BoP], Clinical Attachment Loss] and systemic status (blood values). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore associations between biomarkers and clinical indices. Correlation benchmarks were set as r = .10 weak, r = .30 moderate, r = .50 strong correlations.
Results:
CP and aMMP-8 showed a strong correlation (rs = .521), suggesting complementary diagnostic value. CP correlated moderately with BoP (rs = .365), mean PPD (rs = .455) and mean PPD at the sampling sites (rs = .478). aMMP-8 correlated moderately with BoP (rs = .329) and mean PDD (rs = .309). Both biomarkers were not associated with systemic variables. ANOVA revealed an effect of BoP on CP levels (p < .05). post hoc analysis showed higher CP higher in patients with BoP >30% compared to those with BoP >10%-30%. No group differences of aMMP-8 levels were observed across the BoP categories.
Conclusion:
Both biomarkers demonstrate a feasibility assessment for geriatric inpatients. In this population, CP reflects localized periodontal processes and inflammation. CP may in the future be particularly suited for inflammatory screening in care-dependent older adults. These findings contribute initial reference data and underscore the need for larger studies to validate biomarker-based diagnostics in broader geriatric populations.