Evaluation of gelatinases, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2, and myeloperoxidase protein in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp tissue.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and the expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and myeloperoxidase protein (MPO) in clinically healthy human pulp and inflamed pulp tissue specimens.

METHODS

Twenty dental pulps clinically diagnosed as inflammatory tissues and 20 healthy pulp tissues from enclosed third molars were harvested and evaluated. The gelatinolytic activity for MMP-2 and MMP-9 was assessed by using the zymography technique, TIMP-2 gene expression was evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and MPO was determined using the MPO assay.

RESULTS

Data showed increased levels of MMP-9, active MMP-2, TIMP-2, and MPO in inflammatory pulp tissues compared with healthy tissues (P < .05). No statistical difference could be observed for pro-MMP-2 (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although all samples were associated with MMP-2 expression, the active form of this MMP was observed only in inflamed pulps. Inflamed pulps showed an up-regulation of MMP-9, TIMP-2, and MPO.