MMP-2 salivary activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis are chronic inflammatory diseases with a bidirec¿ tional relationship. The uncontrolled levels of glucose in T2DM patients change the pathophysiology and balance of inflammatory mediators. Matrix Metalloproteinase¿2 (MMP¿2) is a zinc¿dependent endopeptidase that is responsible for tissue remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix in periodontal tissue. Therefore, the uncontrolled levels of glucose in T2DM could lead to an imbalance in MMP¿2 activity in saliva, favoring the development of periodontitis.