Association of MMP-8 -799C/T Polymorphism with Peri-Implantitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

<b>Purpose</b>: This study explored the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) gene polymorphisms (-799C/T, -381A/G, and +17C/G) and peri-implantitis, examining clinical parameters including the probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional study involved 120 participants categorized into peri-implantitis and healthy implant groups according to the 2018 classification criteria for periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Saliva samples were analyzed for MMP-8 polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate genotype- and allele-specific risks and their associations with clinical parameters. <b>Results</b>: Among the 95 samples analyzed, the -799C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with peri-implantitis, with T allele carriers having a higher diagnosis rate (odds ratio: 3.04, <i>p</i> = 0.010). Although T allele carriers exhibited higher mean values for the probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), these differences were not statistically significant across genotypes. No associations were found between the -381A/G and +17C/G polymorphisms and peri-implantitis clinical parameters. <b>Conclusions</b>: The -799C/T polymorphism, specifically the T allele, is strongly linked to peri-implantitis, indicating its potential as a genetic marker for disease susceptibility. Further research is required to investigate the role of MMP-8 polymorphisms in peri-implant diseases and to advance the development of personalized diagnostic tools.