Effects of Phase I Periodontal Treatment on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐1

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) is a member of a family of enzymes which are capable of degrading most extracellular matrix macromolecules. Extracellular control of MMPs is exerted by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) and by mechanisms of pro‐MMP activation. Levels of MMPs and TIMPs change during healing, inflammation, and normal tissue turnover. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phase I periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1. Methods: Ten patients with chronic periodontitis who had sites with probing depths ≥4 mm and 10 periodontally healthy persons (controls) were included in this study. Clinical measurements including plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indexes, probing depths (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded both at baseline (before treatment, BT) and after phase I periodontal treatment (AT). Assays for MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1 were performed by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: All of the clinical conditions significantly improved and GCF volume decreased AT (P