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Updated: May 10, 2026

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
1α,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) induces NO-dependent endothelial cell proliferation and migration in a
Claudio Molinari1, Manuela Rizzi, Diletta F Squarzanti
1Translational Medicine Department, University of Eastern Piedmont A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, Novara, Italy.
Background/Aims:
The 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (Vit. D) induces eNOS dependent nitric oxide (NO) production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). To our knowledge, there are no reports directly relating Vit. D induced NO production to proliferation and/or migration in endothelial cells (EC). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Vit. D addition to porcine EC could affect their proliferation and/or migration in a three-dimensional matrix via NO production.
Materials And Methods:
Porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAE) were used to evaluate Vit. D effects on cell proliferation and migration in a three-dimensional matrix.
Results:
Vit. D induced NO production in PAE cells. Moreover, it induced a significant increase in cellular proliferation and migration in a three-dimensional matrix. These effects were NO dependent, as inhibiting eNOS activity by L-NAME PAE migration was abrogated. This effect was strictly related to MMP-2 expression and apparently dependent on Vit. D and NO production.
Conclusions:
Vit. D can promote both endothelial cells proliferation and migration in a three-dimensional matrix via NO-dependent mechanisms. These findings cast new light on the role of Vit. D in the angiogenic process, suggesting new applications for Vit. D in such fields as tissue repair and wound healing.
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