Granulocyte elastase, matrix metalloproteinase‐8 and prostaglandin E₂ in gingival crevicular fluid in matched clinical sites in smokers and non‐smokers with persistent periodontitis

Abstract

Granulocyte function seems to be impaired in smokers with persistent periodontitis. The cells react to the bacterial challenge by releasing serine proteases, which reflect the degradation of connective tissue. The risk of progression of the disease is therefore higher in smokers with persistent periodontitis than in non-smokers.