MMP-8 enzyme production in cariously exposed irreversible pulpitis

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), an enzyme primarily secreted by neutrophils, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for pulpal inflammation. The present study investigated differences in MMP-8 concentrations between normal pulp and cariously exposed pulp diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis, including both asymptomatic (AIP) and symptomatic (SIP) cases, and further examined the influence of clinical factors on MMP-8 levels within the pulpitis group. Blood samples from the pulp were obtained either during caries excavation in the pulpitis group or through intentional pulp exposure in the healthy control group. Both the active and total forms of MMP-8 (aMMP-8 and tMMP-8) were quantified. Clinical variables potentially associated with MMP-8 concentrations in AIP and SIP cases (irreversible pulpitis group) were analyzed for their correlations. A total of 15 AIP and SIP teeth in each group and 3 sound premolars with normal pulp were included in this study. The results demonstrated that MMP-8 concentrations were markedly higher in both AIP (mean; aMMP-8 18.40 ± 3.04 ng/mL; tMMP-8 36.79 ± 7.88 ng/mL) and SIP (mean; aMMP-8 16.06 ± 3.10 ng/mL; tMMP-8 32.02 ± 6.12 ng/mL) groups compared with normal pulps (mean: aMMP-8 3.07 ± 0.10 ng/mL; tMMP-8 4.93 ± 0.97 ng/mL). However, no statistically significant difference ( ) Ref. code: 25686513031432RWS 2 between AIP and SIP. Importantly, radiographic evidence of periapical pathologies was significantly associated with elevated MMP-8 levels in irreversible pulpitis teeth. These findings indicated that increasing MMP-8 production in irreversible pulpitis increased regardless of clinical pulpal pain symptoms. Moreover, periapical pathology in radiograph demonstrated higher MMP-8 in irreversible pulpitis teeth. Thus MMP-8 has potential utilize as a bioactive marker for diagnosing pulpal inflammation.