The relationship between mouthrinse matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, 8, 13) and albumin levels with the degree of oral mucositis in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients

Our aim was to examine the relationship between mouthrinse matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs) and whole albumin levels ( AL) relative to oral mucositis ( OM) in allogeneic stem cell transplant ( alloSCT) patients. Mouthrinse vertebrate collagenase levels are positively correlated with connective tissue destruction ( CTD) in periodontitis and may also be involved in CTD associated with OM. Increases in salivary AL have been noted prior to OM onset and may serve as a predictive tool for OM and as a positive control in this study. A total of 23 alloSCT patients were visited eight times over 4 weeks following the transplant. OM was scored via a previously validated examiner- based ordinal system. Mouthrinse samples were collected and analyzed for MMP- 1, 8, 13 ( members of the vertebrate collagenase group) and AL. No significant correlation was found for MMP levels relative to OM scores. AL were positively and significantly associated with OM scores ( P < 0.001). MMP levels may not be an important factor in OM development and severity; however, mouthrinse AL may serve as a more objective measure of OM development and severity.