Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in inflamed human dental pulps / 实用口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the role of host derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathogenesis of pulpitis. Methods:The expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were examined by immunohistochemical method and the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were measured by gelatin zymography in 20 clinically healthy and 20 inflamed human dental pulps of extracted mandibular 3rd molars.Results:In clinically healthy and inflamed human pulps both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed in odontoblasts and fibroblasts. The pro-MMP-9 was detectable in both inflamed and healthy pulps. The level of pro-MMP-9 was higher in inflamed pulps than that in the healthy(P0.05).Pro-MMP-2 and active MMP-2 were not detectable in the pulps of the two groups. Conclusion:MMP-9 may involve in the pathogenesis of pulpitis.