Abstract

Objective: The study was aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in parotid saliva of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) patients is associated with the degree of glandular involvement. Study design: Thirty-three JRP patients were included. Involvement of parotid gland was assessed by sialography. Parotid saliva was assayed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography. Medical charts were examined for number of recurrences, disease laterality, and time of follow-up. Logistic regression analysis between occurrence of either MMP, the clinical parameters, and sialographic staging was conducted. Results: None of the clinical parameters under analysis were found to be associated with degree of sialographic involvement. Statistical associations were found between presence of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in parotid saliva and sialographic stage (P = .017; odds ratio [OR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-30.4; and P = .009; OR 6.1; 95% CI 1.6-23.7; respectively). Conclusions: Occurrence frequency of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in parotid saliva from affected glands of JRP patients was associated with degree of gland damage. © 2008 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.