Assessment of a novel screening test for neutrophil collagenase activity in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases

Aim of the study

Increased levels of active neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) are present in gingival crevicular fluid, associated with active periodontal disease. In order to obtain quicker results on the level of MMP-8, McCulloch et al. have developed and validated a new test based on the detection of chemiluminescence of biotinylated collagen digestion products.

Materials and methods

In order to determine whether the new test is sufficiently sensitive to measure the levels of MMP-8, enzymatic activity was evaluated after incubation with substances which selectively blocked collagenase activity. The diagnostic usefulness of the SBA test was assessed by longitudinal crossover studies in patients suffering from chronic periodontal disease (125), early onset periodontitis (5), one edentulous patient and patients without periodontal disease (32). Crevicular fluid and blood were sampled.

Results

There was a very strong correlation between the levels of MMP-8 in gingival fluid, neutrophils and the radioactive assays. The levels of MMP-8 were 18 times greater in the case of advanced periodontal diseases compared with stable cases and 25 times lower after treatment. Within the framework of this study, SBA MMP-8 is an effective biological marker of periodontal disease activity.

Conclusion

The activity of MMP-8 can be detected by an easy, simple rapid and reproducible test (SBA). It is a useful diagnostic aid to determine active periodontal lesions and those in remission.

Commentary

Multicentre studies should be undertaken to confirm these initial results, before the test is used more widely.