Host Modulation Therapy — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardPeriodontologyHost Modulation TherapyNDEB AFK

Which of the following host-modulation therapies has been shown to reduce collagenase activity and is used as an adjunct to SRP in periodontitis treatment?

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Correct answer: C — Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD, 20 mg BID)

Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD, doxycycline hyclate 20 mg BID) is the only FDA/Health Canada-approved host-modulation therapy for periodontitis. At this sub-antimicrobial dose, doxycycline inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs, particularly collagenase MMP-8) without significant antimicrobial effect, reducing collagen destruction. It is marketed as Periostat and used as an adjunct to SRP, not as a standalone therapy.

Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019