NO-dependent proliferation and migration induced by Vitamin D in HUVEC. Issue 149 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pittarella, Pamela; Squarzanti, Diletta F.; Molinari, Claudio; Invernizzi, Marco; Uberti, Francesca; Renò, Filippo
• Is Part Of: Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology. Issue 149(2015)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Endothelial cell -- Vitamin D -- Nitric oxide -- Matrix metalloproteinase-2 -- Cell migration; Steroid hormones -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Hormones stéroïdes -- Périodiques; Steroid hormones; Periodicals; 572.579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.12.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-0760

Abstract

Highlights: Vit. D effects on human endothelial cells have been evaluated. Vit. D increases HUVEC proliferation through NO-dependent mechanisms. Vit. D induces NO-dependent HUVEC migration in a 3D matrix increasing MMP-2 levels. Abstract: Recently, Vitamin D (Vit. D) has gained importance in cellular functions of a wide range of extraskeletal organs and target tissues, other than bone. In particular, Vit. D has displayed important beneficial effects in the cardiovascular system. Although little is known about the mechanism by which this response is exerted, a Vit. D-induced eNOS-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells (EC) has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Vit. D administration could affect human EC proliferation and/or migration through NO production. For this purpose, HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) were used to evaluate Vit. D effects on cell proliferation and migration in a 3D matrix. Experiments were also performed in the presence of the specific VDR ligand ZK159222 and eNOS inhibitor L-NAME. This study demonstrated that Vit. D can promote both HUVEC proliferation and migration in a 3D matrix. These effects were NO dependent, since HUVEC proliferation and migration were abrogated along with Vit. D induced MMP-2 expression by inhibiting eNOS activity by L-NAME. These findings support the role of Vit. D in the angiogenic process, suggesting new applications for Vit. D in tissue repair and wound healing.