Matrix Metalloproteinases and Inhibitors in the Treatment of Periodontitis

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in a range of cellular functions, such as tissue remodeling, wound healing.Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, which leads to periodontal attachment loss and bone resorption.Its been proved that an imbalance between activated MMPs and their inhibitor results to degradation of the extracellular matrix.This has led to the search for synthetic inhibitors used as therapeutic agents.