Potential role of matrix metalloproteinase-8 as a predictive marker for peri-implant mucositis progress

Background: Osseointegrated dental implants have become increasingly common as a treatment option for missing teeth. Peri-implant infections are caused by bacterial plaque that may initiate an inflammatory release of cytokines, enhance accumulation of neutrophils in implant lesion, and trigger the production of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). MMP-8 is essential in inflammatory and degenerative processes of periodontal tissues and produced by activated cells. The purpose of this study was to detect the role of MMP-8 as a biomarker of active and aggressive peri-implant mucositis. Material and method: Eighty subjects (40 with peri-implant mucositis and 40 with successful and healthy peri-implant mucosa) were enrolled in this study. The 42 male and 38 female subjects were attended at AL-Karama and AL-Ma'amoun Specialized Dental Centers in Baghdad, Iraq from November 24, 2021 to May 25, 2022. Follow-up examinations were performed on patients to monitor the progression of disease. Peri-implant sulcular fluid was examined and identified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique for MMP-8. Results: Results showed that MMP-8 levels continue to rise after 3 weeks and are significantly higher in the patient group (P=0.00000) than the group with successful implants. Conclusion: MMP-8 can be used to reflect, associate, and predict clinical disease activity and progression of peri-implant mucositis properly.