Combined effects of simvastatin and enamel matrix derivative on odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells

摘要

IntroductionWe previously reported that simvastatin and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) have a dentinogenic effect. However, there is little information about the combined effects of these 2 agents on odontoblastic differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined treatment with simvastatin and EMD on odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). This study further explored the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) as a target and mediator of the differentiation induced by simvastatin in hDPCs.