Abstract: The present invention is related to a rapid and reliable method for making chair-side diagnoses of periodontal diseases and especially for predicting the risk of progressing of the periodontal diseases. The diagnosis and prognosis are performed using an immunological test kit by which increased levels of neutrophil gelatinase-related lipocalin (NGAL) derived from polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leucocytes PMNs) is measured.

Abstract: Methods and test kits are described which provide a reliable, sensitive and selective assessment of periodontal disease activity, peri-implantitis or HIV(+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. The preferred methods and test kits are constructed to be easy and rapid chair-side tests. The method is based on the preparation and use of monoclonal antibodies which recognize the active mammalian matrix metalloproteinase-S (MMP-8) and is capable of differentiating between said active matrix metalloproteinase-8 and its inactive proform.

Abstract: Bis-phosphonates such as clodronate, etidronate, pamidronate and alendronate are found to inhibit the degradation of connective tissue matrix protein components in mammals, including humans, and therefore are useful in the therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of mammals against a variety of physiological and pathological connective tissue disorders or extracellular protein degradation disorders including wounds, burns, fractures, lesions, ulcers, cancer and metastasis progression in connective tissues, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthitides, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, cysts, root canal treatment, AIDS, ulceration of the cornea, gastric ulceration, aftae, trauma, acne, psoriasis, loosening of end-osseal hip-protheses.