Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases level and collagenase activity in gingival crevicular fluid: the relevance to periodontal diseases

Abstract

We conducted the functional and immunological characterization of MMPs and TIMPs in the GCF of periodontally diseased patients. Principal component analysis indicated components one to three explaining 87% of total variation, and further suggested that higher collagenase activity (especially in active collagenase) would be an important marker in evaluating the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Consequently, these observations may have significant therapeutic and diagnostic implications.