MMP-7, RANKL mRNA expression in the gingival tissue correlates with periodontitis: An in vivo study

MMP-7 supports the immune response and can have both beneficial and destructive effects. As part of the innate host defense, MMP-7 is connected to the mucosal antimicrobial defense. Even though research on other Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) is well-established, understanding MMP-7 expression is required to establish an improved diagnostic strategy. This research investigates the mRNA expression of MMP-7 and RANKL by RT-qPCR assay. Twelve male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into three groups, no treatment, experimental (7 and 14 days). Periodontitis is induced by sterile wire insertion (0.2 mm) and Enterococcus faecalis inoculation within the gingival sulcus situated between the maxillary right 1st and 2nd molar tooth regions. Following euthanasia, tissue samples from the maxillary gingiva and maxillary jaw were extracted for quantitative real-time PCR assay and histopathological assessment. Results showed that at 7 days, there was significant upregulation of MMP-7, which was downregulated in 14 days, as well as migration of the junctional epithelium, attachment loss, inflammatory cells, and fibroblasts, as observed by histological analysis. Thus, the study suggests that MMP-7 is associated with the progression of periodontitis.