Figure 3.

(A) Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations at indicated days and sides in samples from gingival pockets. aPDT effect on MMP-8 secretion significantly lower on the aPDT-treated side than on the control side after the last application of aPDT at end-of-study; and (B) analysis of bacteriome using 16S rRNA sequencing. This figure shows the diversity of bacteria within the plaque samples from the treatment and control premolars at the start of the treatment at baseline and at the end of the study period. At the end of treatment, a significant reduction in the relative proportion of Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Rothia bacteria species was identified, and a relative increase in the Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Leptotrichia bacteria species was seen between treated and control side. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.