Discuss enzyme suppression therapy.

Although bacteria are the culprits in initiating inflammatory periodontal diseases, the inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and prostaglandins produced by the host (body) cells in response to the bacteria, are partly responsible for periodontal tissue breakdown. Neutrophils in the body synthesize and release collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, which is what makes up periodontal structures. Periostat is a subantimicrobial form of doxycycline hyclate and specifically will inhibit the production and release of collagenase from the neutrophils. This is the unique feature of Periostat. Additionally, Periostat does not have antibacterial properties.