Immunohistochemical analysis of the gingiva with periodontitis of type I plasminogen deficiency compared to gingiva with gingivitis and periodontitis and healthy gingiva

Highlights • Type I plasminogen deficiency is an uncommon chronic inflammation of mucous membranes. • Fibrin clearance is disturbed in this entity. • Plasmin(ogen)-independent enzymatic mechanisms for fibrin clearance were discussed. • Alternative enzymatic fibrin clearance through elastase, MMP-3, MMP-7 have been shown in this study. • Local application of plasminogen is discussed as therapeutic approach. • The exact pathomechanism of this entity needs to be determined.