Is Collagen Breakdown During Periodontitis Linked to Inflammatory Cells and Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Human Gingival Tissue?

Abstract

The present study showed an imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs associated with the pathologic breakdown of the extracellular matrix during periodontitis. The active form of MMP-9 could be a marker for the clinical severity of periodontal disease.