Matrix metalloproteinase‐ 7 in periodontitis with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and Objective Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐7 ( MMP 7) have been observed in serum samples of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM ) and in gingival tissues of subjects with periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to collect in vivo and in silico evidence on the role of MMP 7 in the interplay between T2 DM and generalized periodontitis (GP). Material and Methods The extent of MMP 7 expression and localization were immunohistochemically analyzed in gingival tissues of patients with GP with T2 DM (T2 DM / GP , n = 11), systemically healthy patients with GP (n = 7), and systemically and periodontally healthy controls (n = 11). An in silico network model was built to determine the interactions between MMP 7 and T2 DM pathways. Regulation of neutrophil transmigration by MMP 7 was analyzed in a knock‐out mice model. Results In human gingival tissues, the proportion of cells with robust MMP 7 expression was elevated in patients with T2 DM / GP in comparison to controls ( P  = .014). According to the in silico analysis, “hydroxyl radical” and “hydrogen peroxide” compounds were among the most central nodes of the network, and were within the shortest paths connecting “glucose” to “ MMP 7.” In MMP 7 knock‐out mice, an intense accumulation of neutrophils was observed in the gingival epithelium as compared to wild‐type mice ( P  = .0001). Conclusion Elevated MMP 7 expression in gingival tissues of patients with T2 DM / GP is related to the activation of reactive oxygen species by hyperglycemia. Suppression of MMP 7 expression results in impaired neutrophil transmigration in gingiva.