Oral and periodontal health status in relation to salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-8) among coronary artery disease patients

Authors

  • Eman Zuhair Almudaris College of dentistry, University of Alrafidain Author
  • Nadia Aftan Alrawi Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, University of Baghdad. Author

Keywords:

Oral health, salivary matrix metalloproteinase, coronary artery disease

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease, a common chronic disease, raises systemic inflammation and increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Salivary MMP-8 degrades the extracellular matrix and modulates immune signals and has been linked with both conditions in prior studies.

Objectives: This study was conducted to measure salivary matrix metalloproteinase-8 in relation to oral and periodontal status among a group of patients with CAD, in comparison with a control group.

Methods: Sixty subjects, aged 45–50 years old, seeking treatment for chest pain, were divided into a study group (30 patients) in need of coronary angiography and a control group (30 subjects) who scored a negative result in the treadmill test. Plaque, gingival condition, and missing teeth were recorded. Unstimulated saliva was also collected for MMP-8 analysis.

Results: The CAD group showed higher plaque and gingival mean values, with statistically high significance. The lowest mean value of missing teeth was recorded among the control group, with no significant differences between groups. Low levels of salivary MMP-8 were seen among the CAD group compared to the control group, with no significant difference.

Conclusions: CAD patients showed significantly worse oral hygiene and greater gingival inflammation than controls. While no significant difference was detected in the number of missing teeth. Salivary MMP-8 levels were lower in the CAD group, but the difference was not significant, so its role remains inconclusive.

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Published

2026-07-20

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vol. 1, issue 1, 2026

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Original article

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