Abstract: Periodontitis are infectious diseases characterized by immune-mediated destruction of periodontal supporting tissues and tooth loss which is associated with microorganisms, host and environment.Matrix metalloproteinasas are key proteases involved in destructive periodontal diseases.The huge complexity of MMP functions within the protease web is crucial for many physiologic pathologic processes ,including immunity inflammation ,bone resorption,and wound healing .Evidence points out that MMPs assemble in activation cascades and besides their classical extracellular matrix substrates ,they cleave several signalling molecules -such as cytokines,chemokines,and growth factors ,among others-regulating their biological functions and /or bioavailability during periodontal disease.In this review,we provide a strong evidence that MMPs serve as regulators of periodontal inflammation.

Key words: Matrix metalloproteinasas, chronic periodontitis, periodontal inflammation regulation