Early Diagnostic Potential of aMMP-8 POCT for Periodontitis in Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Approximately 589 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus, with over 90% having type 2. One of its key oral manifestations is periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that often remains unnoticed due to its silent progression, leading to late detection and poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis are crucial, especially in high-risk groups such as diabetic patients. Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) has shown great potential as a biomarker with high precision for early diagnosis. aMMP-8 levels are measured non-invasively through various Point-of-Care Tests (POCT). This review aims to explore the early-diagnostic potential of aMMP-8 POCT in identifying periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

Method: An electronic search through PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify clinical studies published within the past 10 years, without language or geographical restrictions. Additionally, relevant literature was also identified through WILEY. Search terms used included “periodontitis,” “type 2 diabetes mellitus,” and “aMMP-8,”. 

Result: The reviewed studies suggested aMMP-8 POCT as an efficient, accurate and practical diagnostic tool for periodontitis, especially in high-risk groups such as patients with type 2 diabetes. Elevated aMMP-8 levels were strongly associated with periodontitis progression. Moreover, unlike conventional methods that often fail to detect early or asymptomatic cases, aMMP-8 POCT can detect ongoing periodontal breakdown chairside in clinical practice within approximately 5 minutes, thereby offering a significant advantage. 

Conclusion: aMMP-8 POCT shows strong potential in detecting early periodontal tissue destruction in type 2 diabetes patients, enabling timely intervention, improving prognosis, and supporting integrated management between systemic and oral health.