Effects of calcitriol (1,25(OH)₂D₃) on endothelial-derived factors implicated in atheromatous plaque vulnerability

Background Atherosclerosis progresses from endothelial dysfunction to arterial plaque vulnerability, rupture, erosion, and calcification. Vitamin D deficiency is an independent cardiovascular risk factor associated with advanced atherosclerotic disease. This study investigated whether calcitriol (1,25(OH)₂D₃), the active hormonal form of vitamin D, modulates the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, MCP-1, RANK, RANKL, and OPG in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Methods Cells were treated with calcitriol alone or in combination with TNF-α. Gene expression was assessed by qPCR, MCP-1 and OPG protein levels were measured by ELISA, and MMP activity by zymography. Results Calcitriol did not significantly affect basal MMP-2 , MMP-9 , TIMP-1 , or TIMP-2 expression but reduced MCP-1 mRNA at 10⁻⁸ M. In TNF-α-activated cells, pre-incubation of cells with calcitriol decreased MMP-9 and MCP-1 expression, restored TIMP-2 levels, elevated the pro-/active-MMP-2 ratio and increased OPG mRNA expression, although this transcriptional effect was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in OPG protein levels. Conclusion The effects of calcitriol on human aortic endothelial cells suggest that calcitriol modulates inflammatory and extracellular matrix-remodeling markers in TNF-α-stimulated human aortic endothelial cells. Whether these changes contribute to plaque stability requires confirmation in more complex experimental models.