Host-derived biomarkers at teeth and implants in partially edentulous patients. A 10-year retrospective study

ObjectivesTo assess a selection of host-derived biomarkers in peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from adjacent teeth 10years following implant placement. Material and methodsPeri-implant sulcus fluid and GCF samples obtained from the deepest sites of 504 implants and 493 adjacent teeth were analysed for levels of interleukin (IL)-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-8, MMP-1, and MMP-1 bound to tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 (MMP-1/TIMP-1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. ResultsOverall, MMP-8 was detected in 90% of the sites. In more than 50% of the sites, IL-1 was identified while in 30% of the sites MMP-1, MMP-1/TIMP-1 and MMP-3 were found over the detection level. Increased biomarkers levels from PISF and GCF were positively correlated (r=0.375-0.702; P<0.001). However, no qualitative and quantitative differences were found between PISF and GCF. The levels of MMP-1 were negatively correlated with those of MMP-1/TIMP-1 at implants (r=-0.644; P<0.001). Median MMP-1 levels at implants were high (5.17pg/site) in subjects with severe chronic periodontitis and low in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic periodontitis (0pg/site; P=0.026) or gingivitis (0pg/site; P=0.034). Levels of IL-1 were found to be different in GCF according to the periodontal conditions (P=0.001) with the highest level found in mild-to-moderate periodontitis (6.2pg/site). Clinical attachment levels at implants demonstrated an inverse correlation with MMP-1/TIMP-1 (r=-0.147; P=0.001). ConclusionsIncreased levels of MMP-8 and IL-1 in PISF or GCF may be associated with inflammation around teeth and implants while lower levels of MMP-1/TIMP-1 may be an indicator of disease progression around implants.