MMP8 and periodontitis: Future validated biomarkers should enhance diagnostic precision in the early detection of periodontitis and offer additional insights to assess its grade.6 Salivary analytes, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and prostaglandin E2, are valuable in assessing the prevalence of sites with BOP or increased PD.