Leptin Stimulates DMP-1 and DSPP Expression in Human Dental Pulp via MAPK 1/3 and PI3K Signaling Pathways

Publication date: Available online 20 November 2018

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Jenifer Martín-González, Antonio Pérez-Pérez, Daniel Cabanillas-Balsera, Teresa Vilariño-García, Victor Sánchez-Margalet, Juan José Segura-Egea

Abstract

Introduction

: To investigate the physiological function of leptin in human dental pulp, and to determine the specific pathways implicated in its effect.

Methods

Twenty-seven dental pulp samples were obtained from human third molars. Pulp samples were treated with or without human recombinant leptin. Leptin functional effect was analyzed in terms of regulation of the synthesis levels of DSPP and DMP-1, determined by immunoblot.

Results

Leptin stimulated DMP-1 and DSPP synthesis in all human dental pulp specimens. The stimulatory effect of leptin on DMP-1 and DSPP synthesis was partially prevented by blocking mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK 1/3) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) pathways, respectively.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the functional effect of leptin in human dental pulp stimulating the expression of DMP-1 and DSPP, both proteins implicated in dentinogenesis. Leptin stimulates DSPP expression via PI3K pathway and DMP-1 synthesis via MAPK 1/3 pathway. These results support the role of leptin in pulpal reparative response, opening a new research line that could have translational application to the clinic in vital pulp therapy procedures.

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