• Melatonin attenuates TEGDMA-induced apoptosis in preodontoblast cells by reducing mitochondrial ROS and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels.
• The protective effect of melatonin is mediated specifically through the JNK/MAPK signaling pathway, as only the JNK inhibitor SP600125 mimics its effects.
• Melatonin downregulates phosphorylated JNK expression and counteracts the activation of the JNK/MAPK pathway by anisomycin.
• These findings suggest melatonin as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing resin monomer-induced dental pulp injury.