Abstract: Objective:To investigate the effect of Vitapex on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and its potential mechanism. Methods:SCAPs were harvested by enzymatic digestion and cultured in medium with different concentrations of Vitapex. The optimal concentration was determined by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay. ALP staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to investigate the expression of odonto/osteogenic related markers of SCAPs. The expression level of autophagy related markers was analyzed by Western blot. Results:0.2 g/L Vitapex conditioned medium group expressed the highest level of ALP activity, and it was selected as the optimal concentration. When treated with 0.2 g/L Vitapex conditioned medium, the expression of odonto/osteogenic markers (ALP, RUNX, OSX, DSPP) in SCAPs was significantly upregulated（P＜0.05）. LC3 II/I ratio and Beclin-1 protein level increased, while P62 decreased（P＜0.01）. Conclusion:Vitapex can potentially promote the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs and activate autophagy.

Key words: Vitapex, stem cells from apical papilla, odonto/osteogenic differentiation, autophagy