Matrix metalloproteinases and periodontitis.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are multifactorial immuno-inflammatory diseases that damage the tissue housing the teeth. Although specific micro-organinsms in the dental plaque play an important role in the aetiology of peiodontal disease, it has become increasingly apparent that environmental and host factors affect their development and progression. Colonizing micro-organisms may elicit periodontal destruction by releasing proteolytic enzymes. Moreover, microbial products provoke an immune response that results in release of cytokines, growth factors and prostanoids that subsequently trigger resident and immigrating cells for expression of enzymes such MMPs. These nezyme are capable of degradation collogen and other extracellular matrix constituents and are implicated in bone resorption so to destroy the supporting structure of the periodontium.