Effects of potassium aluminum sulfate on TNF-alpha, MMP-1 and MMP-8 levels at gingival crevicular fluid in periodontally healthy subjects: a pilot study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of fixed dental prosthesis procedures with and without gingival retraction containing potassium aluminum sulfate on TNF-alpha, MMP -1 and MMP-8 levels at gingival crevicular fluid in periodontally healthy subjects and to demonstrate that these markers can be used for the assessment of disease activity. Methods: Eight healthy subjects, each with at least two abutment teeth, were included in our research. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained before initiation of fixed dental prosthesis treatment and repeated on days 2, 3, 7 and first month after cementation. GCF concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-8 and TNF-alpha were determined by ELISA. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: The GCF MMP-8 concentrations revealed significant differences among study groups (p<0.05), but not among the sampling days (p>0.05). The MMP-8 concentrations of control group was significantly decreased in the first month (p<0.05). The TNF-alpha concentrations showed significant differences in all study groups (p<0.05). In contrast to ret(-) and control groups, TNF-alpha concentrations of ret(+) group was significantly different among sampling days (p<0.05). The TNF-alpha concentration peaked in the first month in ret(+) group. Conclusion: Within the scope of this study, it may be suggested that well-fitted fixed dental prosthesis and its procedures performed to periodontally healthy subjects do not affect the periodontal tissue health negatively.