Tissue Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Pulps and Periapical Lesions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tissue levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -3 and their distributions in inflamed human dental pulps and periapical lesions. Samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or immunohistochemistry by using specific antibodies to MMP-1, -2, and -3. Results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U test and presented as p values. The concentrations of MMP-1 in all experimental groups were significantly higher than in the control (p < 0.05). The acute pulpitis and control groups were significant different in terms of their MMP-2 levels (p < 0.05). The concentration of MMP-3 in acute pulpitis was significantly higher than the control and chronic pulpitis groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, MMP-1 and MMP-3 were localized in the infiltrating neutrophils, macrophages, and extracellular matrix of the acute pulpitis group. These results suggest that MMPs play an important role in the pulp tissue destruction of acute, inflamed pulp.

Role of matrix metalloproteinases in dental caries, pulp and periapical inflammation: An overview

“…The concentration of MMP-3 in acute pulpitis has been found to be significantly higher than in normal pulp tissue. 35 MMP-3 has a unique role in pulpitis that other MMPs do not share. MMP-3 activates other MMPs, such as MMP-1, -7 and -9 and has been implicated in various physiological and pathological process.…”

“…35 Monocytes/macrophages express MMP-8 and MMP-13. 66,67 These MMP work in both intra-cellular (phagocytic process) and extra-cellular (tissue destruction) process.…”

TNF-^|^alpha; and LPS Enhance MMP Production in Human Dental Pulp Cells of Deciduous Teeth

“…MMP-1 and MMP-3 are involved in normal ECM turnover, tumor invasion and inflammatory diseases, and were found to be upregulated in inflamed dental pulp tissues and periapical lesions in vivo 19,20) . These findings imply that drug-mediated inhibition of MMP-1 and MMP-3 activities may be useful for pulpal therapy.…”

The Role of Chemokines and Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Periodontal and Periapical Lesions: Current Concepts

“…However, before specific discussion on host response to periodontal and periapical diseases outcome modulation, it is important to review the molecular pathways associated with periodontal and periapical tissues destruction. As previously considered, MMPs have been associated with remodeling of the periodontal tissues with special interest (Hannas et al, 2007, Shin et al, 2002, Verstappen & von den Hoff, 2006, and are usually found in balance with TIMPs in order to keep matrix remodeling in a highly regulated fashion (Hannas et al, 2007). However, unbalanced MMPs/TIMPs ratio was described in diseased periodontal and periapical tissues, and is thought to account for the soft and mineralized tissue destruction associated to periodontal and periapical diseases (Garlet et al, 2004, Gonçalves et al, 2008, Shin et al, 2002, Verstappen & von den Hoff, 2006.…”