Calprotectin and aMMP-8 as biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid in geriatric inpatients

Background: Accurate detection of periodontal inflammation and tissue degradation remains challenging in frail, hospitalized older adults with high periodontitis prevalences, where conventional diagnostics are often not feasible. Biochemical biomarkers such as Calprotectin (CP) and Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) may offer low-barrier, bedside-compatible diagnostic alternatives for the future. While aMMP-8 is already well-studied and rather reflects collagen degradation, CP is supposed to indicate neutrophil-driven inflammation. Methods: < 5 mg/dL), GCF samples were collected at bedside to assess aMMP-8 and CP levels and analyzed in addition to periodontal parameters [Probing Pocket Depth [PPD], Bleeding On Probing [BoP], Clinical Attachment Loss] and systemic status (blood values). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore associations between biomarkers and clinical indices. Correlation benchmarks were set as r = .10 weak, r = .30 moderate, r = .50 strong correlations. Results: analysis showed higher CP higher in patients with BoP >30% compared to those with BoP >10%-30%. No group differences of aMMP-8 levels were observed across the BoP categories. Conclusion: Both biomarkers demonstrate a feasibility assessment for geriatric inpatients. In this population, CP reflects localized periodontal processes and inflammation. CP may in the future be particularly suited for inflammatory screening in care-dependent older adults. These findings contribute initial reference data and underscore the need for larger studies to validate biomarker-based diagnostics in broader geriatric populations.