Association between the occurrence of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in parotid saliva with the degree of parotid gland damage in juvenile recurrent parotitis.

OBJECTIVE The study was aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in parotid saliva of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) patients is associated with the degree of glandular involvement. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-three JRP patients were included. Involvement of parotid gland was assessed by sialography. Parotid saliva was assayed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography. Medical charts were examined for number of recurrences, disease laterality, and time of follow-up. Logistic regression analysis between occurrence of either MMP, the clinical parameters, and sialographic staging was conducted. RESULTS None of the clinical parameters under analysis were found to be associated with degree of sialographic involvement. Statistical associations were found between presence of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in parotid saliva and sialographic stage (P = .017; odds ratio [OR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-30.4; and P = .009; OR 6.1; 95% CI 1.6-23.7; respectively). CONCLUSIONS Occurrence frequency of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in parotid saliva from affected glands of JRP patients was associated with degree of gland damage.