RESUMO
Periodontitis is an infectious disease estimated to occur in approximately a third of adults over the age of 35, being the major cause of adult tooth loss. The tissue destruction seems to be regulated by four major pathways. Plasminogen-dependent, phagocytic, osteoclastic and matrix metalloproteinase pathway. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) pathway seems to be the most relevant in periodontal disease. The purpose of the current study was to review the roles of MMPs on periodontal disease, with emphasis on periodontal ligament and alveolar bone destruction. Particular attention is given on the mechanisms that control MMPs genes transcription, the regulation of protein activity, and the influence of MMP genes polymorphisms in inflammatory diseases.