Immunological Study Regarding the Role of Ca(OH)2 Paste on the MMP8 Expression for Teeth with Chronic Periapical Lesions

Abstract

Introduction MMP8 are secreted as inactive proproteins, stored in secondary granules within neutrophils and are activated by autolytic cleavage. The function of MMP8 is degradation of type I, II and III collagens. In this context, the concentration of MMP8 can be related to the intensity of inflammatory processes associated with chronic periapical lesions. Objectives The aim of our study was to measure changing of MMP8 within the periapical secretion of teeth affected by periapical lesions and treated with antibacterial medication, using immunological tests. Methods Study group included 22 patients with age 22-64 years. A number of 30 teeth with periapical lesions (periapical granuloma and diffuse periapical osteitis) were submitted to endodontic treatment and filled with Ca(OH)2 paste. The periapical secretion was collected with paper points at baseline, after 14 days and after 28 days. The concentration of MMP8 was assessed using ELISA test Quantikinine (Human MMP-8 Immunoassay, R&D System, USA) based on quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Results and discussions At baseline the mean concentration of MMP8 was 31.3 ng/mL. The concentrations of MMP8 were closely related to the type of periapical lesion: 12.5 ng/mL for incipient periapical lesions, 18.1 ng/mL for small periapical granuloma and 91.6 ng/mL for extended periapical granuloma. The levels of MMP8 decreased gradually after 2 weeks and 4 weeks comparing with baseline. Conclusion Metaloproteinases (MMP8) could be used as biochemical markers of the periapical status of inflammatory processes in course of initial stage of endodontic therapy.

Keywords

• calcium hydroxide
• chronic periapical lesions
• metalloproteinases
• MMP8