ROLE OF MATRIX METALLO PROTEINASES IN PERIODONTAL DISEASES- A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Abstract

Periodontitis refers to the infectious diseases typified by specific immune-mediated obliteration of the supporting tissues of periodontium and tooth loss. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) comprises of the zinc containing enzymes that degrades the specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components, thus, abolishing the matrix symmetry, balance and structural veracity. These molecules have several actions in tissues and basically produced by several host cells like fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, epithelial cells. An equilibrium between the production of MMPs and its inhibitors is of prime concern so as to preserve the normal physiologic structure of host tissues. The learning and growing interest in MMP has been shown to provide evidence signifying the extensive range of molecules that can be cleaved by them and the innumerable biological progressions that can be regulated by them. In this review, an outline of incipient evidence of MMPs and their role in the regulation of periodontal disease is portrayed briefly.