The effects of smoking on the expression of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Smokers have a risk of developing periodontal disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a significant role in periodontal tissue destruction. In this study possible relationship between smoking and gingival tissue expression of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis patients relative to periodontally healthy subjects was investigated. Forty chronic periodontitis patients (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) and forty periodontally healthy subjects (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) were enrolled. The clinical periodontal measurements recorded, and gingival tissues harvested after that. Afte...