THE LEVEL OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES IN INFLAMMATORY PERIODONTAL DISEASES (Experimental Study)

The subject of the study - Inflammatory periodontal diseases (IPD) are characterized by multiple etiologies, a progressive course, and a high prevalence across all age groups (from 53 % in children to 98 % in adults). An imbalance in the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system – zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix – plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IPD. Objective - To study changes in MMP levels in the blood of laboratory animals following the use of topical agents for the treatment of experimental gingivitis. Methodology. The study was conducted at the Central Research Laboratory of the Northern State Medical University (Arkhangelsk), the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, on 40 Wistar rats divided into 4 groups: three experimental groups (treated with metronidazole, a herbal preparation, and an original MPH-based gel) and a comparison group (no treatment). Experimental gingivitis was modeled using a high-carbohydrate diet, lincomycin, and bee venom applications. Blood levels of MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, and -13 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 16. Results. The highest MMP-1 level was observed in the comparison group (6.5 pg/ml), while the lowest was in the MPH-based gel group (2.7 pg/ml; p <0.05). MMP-3 levels were also lowest in the MPH group (5.4 pg/ml), which is 5.9 times lower than those observed with metronidazole. In contrast, MMP-13 levels were highest in the MPH group (3.7 pg/ml). No statistically significant differences were found for MMP-9, but a downward trend was noted in the MPH group (201.2 pg/ml versus 332.9 pg/ml in the metronidazole group). Conclusions. The use of a topical gel based on MPH was associated with the most pronounced reduction in proinflammatory MMP-1 and MMP-3, indicating its anti-inflammatory and reparative effects. The metronidazole-based preparation exhibited a predominantly antimicrobial effect (minimal MMP-13 levels). These data support the use of MPH-containing products in the comprehensive therapy of gingivitis.