Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 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
The effect of citric acid on mineralisation and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion from apical papilla stem
Krasimir Hristov1, Nikolay Ishkitiev2, Marina Miteva2
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria. k.christov@fdm.mu-sofia.bg.
Objective:
To investigate the influence of citric acid on the osteogenic and angiogenic potential of stem cells from apical papillae (SCAPs).
Materials And Methods:
Stem cells from apical papillae were isolated from freshly extracted third permanent molars. These cells were treated with 20 and 100 μM citric acid. Alizarin red staining was used to evaluate mineral deposition. The secreted levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed by ELISA on days 18, 24 and 28. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to assess the expression of surface markers after exposure to 20 and 100 μM citric acid.
Results:
Different mineralisation patterns were observed. Supplemented with citric acid, media showed more diffuse and less dense crystals. On day 18, most VEGF was secreted from the cells with no added citric acid. On day 24, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of VEGF secreted from cells treated with 20 μM citric acid. On day 28, cells from the control group did not secrete VEGF. There was a reduction in the levels of VEGF secreted by cells treated with 20 μM citric acid and a significant increase in the cells exposed to 100 μM citric acid (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Citric acid can promote the differentiation of SCAPs and angiogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Paracrine Signaling
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...

