Abstract: Objective: To investigate the influence of salidroside (SAL) on the proliferation, migration and mineralization abilities of the mouse odontoblast cell line MDPC-23. Methods: MDPC-23 cells were cultured in vitro and stimulated with different concentrations of salidroside (0 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L). The effects of salidroside on MDPC-23 proliferation and migration were examined by using CCK-8, live-dead cell staining, scratch assay and Transwell assay. Three groups were set up: control group (osteogenic medium), and 10μmol/L SAL group and 20 μmol/L SAL group. The mineralization capacity of SAL was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red staining (ARS), calcium nodule quantification , qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: SAL promoted cell proliferation without significant cytotoxicity, with the most significant effect at 20 μmol/L (P＜0.05). SAL promoted cell proliferation across the experimental concentration range, with 20 μmol/L SAL exhibiting a significant proliferative effect. SAL had no significant cytotoxicity. SAL significantly enhanced cell migration (P＜0.05). SAL treatment resulted in a greater number of mineralized nodules (P＜0.05). ALP staining and activity assays indicated that 20 μmol/L SAL significantly promoted ALP expression (P＜0.05). The expression of ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) were significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the protein expression levels of OCN and Runx2 were also significantly increased after SAL treatment (P＜0.05). Conclusions: SAL can promote the proliferation, migration and mineralization abilities of odontoblast cell line MDPC-23 in mice.

Key words: salidroside, MDPC-23, pulp capping agent, osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation