Proteolytic Mediators in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Gingivitis.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of MP-1 (TIMP-1) in biofluids of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and systemically healthy counterparts with different statuses of periodontal health.

METHODS

Seventy-one women with GDM and gingivitis (Gg), 30 women with GDM and healthy periodontium (Gh), 28 systemically and periodontally healthy women (Hh), and 37 systemically healthy women with gingivitis (Hg) were evaluated. MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 levels were determined in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva, and serum by immunofluorometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Full-mouth clinical periodontal parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

GCF and serum MMP-8 concentrations, serum MMP-9 concentrations, and serum MMP-8/MMP-1 and MMP-9/MMP-1 molar ratios were significantly higher in Gg compared with Hg group (P <0.05). Serum MMP-8 levels and salivary TIMP-1 levels were higher in Gh compared with Hg group (P <0.05) whereas salivary MMP-8/TIMP-1 molar ratio was lower in Gh compared with Hg group (P <0.05). Elevated concentrations of GCF MMP-8 and MMP-9 were found in Gg compared with Gh group (P <0.05). Significant correlations were found between local levels of biomarkers and clinical periodontal parameters in only GDM group.

CONCLUSION

GDM may modulate both local and circulating levels of MMP-8 especially when associated with gingivitis.