RUNX2 and hyperlipidemia: Statins, drugs for hyperlipidemia, enhance osteogenic differentiation of various mesenchymal cells, including osteoblast precursor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and DPSCs, by inhibiting the synthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate, decreasing cellular cholesterol, and activating the Ras-PI3K-Akt/MAPK signaling pathway, thereby increasing the expression of BMP2 and RUNX2 [17], although the underlying mechanisms are still controversial.