Concentration of MMP-8 and IL-1β in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis

Modern research confirms the role of inflammatory mediators in the pathomechanism of periodontal tissue destruction. The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of MMP-8 and IL-1β in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with advanced chronic and aggressive periodontitis. The authors measured the concentrations of the above inflammatory mediators in gingival crevicular fluid of deep pockets (PD ≥ 6 mm) and shallow pockets (PD 4-5 mm) in 33 patients with advanced chronic periodontitis and in 16 patients with aggressive periodontitis. The control group consisted of 16 individuals with healthy periodontium. In all patients levels of MMP-8 and IL-1β in GCF were determined with the ELISA method. The study showed significantly higher concentrations of MMP-8 and IL-1β in GCF of both deep and shallow pockets in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy subjects. No difference in concentrations of the tested mediators was observed with reference to diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis (AP) or chronic periodontitis (CP).