Increasing Serum Vitamin D Levels Reduces Gingival Crevicular Fluid Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels in Periodontal Health and Diseases

Aims

To investigate whether restoring serum vitamin D levels in a population requiring supplementation affects matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled 101 participants with vitamin D deficiency, including those with periodontitis (34) and gingivitis (34) and healthy individuals (33). The periodontal status was evaluated using radiographic and clinical assessments of probing depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival index and plaque index. The analysis of MMP-9 levels in the GCF collected from the same dental sites was performed at baseline and 1 month post supplementation.

Results

After 1 month of vitamin D supplementation, a significant decrease in GCF MMP-9 levels was observed across all groups, with the most notable reduction observed in the periodontitis group. The healthy group exhibited the highest percentage reduction at 47%. Linear regression analysis confirmed that changes in vitamin D levels and pocket depth influenced MMP-9 alterations in the GCF.

Conclusions

Restoration of vitamin D levels in vitamin D-deficient patients to the recommended average level (30 ng/mL), according to established guidelines, led to decreased MMP-9 levels in individuals with different periodontal statuses (healthy, gingivitis or periodontitis), potentially mitigating periodontal risks.