Expression of MMP-8 in Human Caries.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of MMP-8 and caries by observing the MMP-8 expression in different degrees of caries.Methods: 30 third molars with untreated caries were extracted and divided into three groups as enamel caries,superficial caries of dentin and deep caries according to clinical examination and radiography examination.And each group included 10 cases as well as 10 cases of normal third molars teeth as control.The expression of MMP-8 was observed by immunohistochemistry.Results: MMP-8 in odontoblast,predentine and fibroblast was slightly stained in normal group and weakly positive in enamel caries group.In superficial caries of dentin in which odontoblast proliferated actively and predentine became thicken,MMP-8 exhibited positive staining.In the deep caries group,MMP-8 showed positive expression within fibroblast and odontoblast in pulp tissue,vascular endothelial cells,surface of soften dentine and reparative dentine.Conclusion: MMMP-8 is involved in the progression of caries.