GCF MMPs and growth factors in smokers without periodontal disease

Objective: Smoking impairs neutrophil function, antibody production, fibroblast activities and inflammatory mediator production.  It is very well known that smoking affects gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and growth factors in patients with periodontal disease. But, it is not clear if smoking has any influence on these parameters in periodontally healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the GCF levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in smoker versus non-smoker periodontally healthy subjects.

Method: A total of 32 subjects were included in the present study. GCF samples were obtained from two sites in 16 smoker and 16 non-smoker periodontally healthy subjects. The whole mouth clinical periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and the amount of plaque accumulation were assessed in study subjects. GCF MMP-1, MMP-8, TGF-beta, PDGF-AB and VEGF levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Result: There were no significant differences in clinical periodontal parameters of sampling sites between smokers and non-smokers. GCF PDGF-AB levels were significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. However, GCF MMP-1, MMP-8, TGF-beta and VEGF levels were similar in both study groups.

Conclusion: GCF MMP-1, MMP-8, TGF-beta and VEGF levels seem not to be influenced by smoking status. However, decreased levels of GCF PDGF-AB in smoker subjects without periodontal disease suggest that smoking has a negative effect on GCF PDGF-AB levels. Data of the present study might emphasize the importance of periodontal health in smokers.