Expression of Salivary Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in Periodontitis Patients

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of supporting oral tissues. The condition involves unique host responses within the oral environment, including the production of selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and certain inflammatory mediators that take part in tissue remodeling. The study aimed to evaluate MMP-3 expression levels in saliva samples collected from healthy and diseased subjects. Methods: 82 study participants were enrolled in this case-control study through a convenience sampling technique from the Periodontology OPD of the Ziauddin College of Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2023 to January 2024. Participants were divided into cases and controls depending on their clinical periodontal status. Saliva samples were collected from all participants using the Passive Drool Method. Analysis of collected samples was performed through ELISA Assay Method to determine quantitative expression levels of MMP-3. SPSS software version 24 was used to run the T-test and the Mann-Whitney Test for two-group comparisons. Correlation analysis of MMP-3 protein expression levels with periodontal parameters was performed by Pearson’s Correlation. ROC curve was produced to determine the best cut-off value using Youden’s Index with 0.05 level of significance. Results: Salivary expression levels of MMP-3 was significantly higher in periodontitis patients when compared to controls. MMP-3 expression was positively correlated with periodontal parameters including periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, and plaque score. Conclusion: MMP-3 was strongly associated with periodontitis, and its expression levels could be implicated in determining disease progression.