›› 2016, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (5): 411-415.

• Basic Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Expression of MMP-2-tryptase double positive mast cells in human chronic periodontitis

  

  • Received:2015-11-26 Revised:2016-02-03 Online:2016-05-28 Published:2016-06-01

Abstract: Abstract Objective To investigate the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)-tryptase double positive mast cells (MCs) in periodontal tissues in different stages of chronic periodontitis using double immunofluorescence staining. Methods A total of 45 patients including healthy controls (n = 15), those with slight chronic periodontitis (n = 15), and those with severe chronic periodontitis (n = 15) were involved. The gingival specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 48h, stained with hematoxylin and eosin for the observation of histological changes under optical microscope, and stained with double immunofluorescence for the identification of MMP-2-tryptase double positive MCs in gingival tissues under fluorescence microscope. Results Compared with the healthy controls, the densities (cells/mm2) of MMP-2-tryptase double positive MCs were significantly increased in chronic periodontitis groups (P <0.01). In addition, the density of MMP-2-tryptase double positive MCs in severe chronic periodontitis group was significantly higher than that of the slight chronic periodontitis group (P <0.05). Conclusion The density of MMP-2-tryptase double positive MCs is positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis inflammation. MMP-2-tryptase double positive MCs may play a positive role in the development of periodontitis.

Key words: Chronic periodontitis, Mast cell, Tryptase, Matrix metalloproteinase-2

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