Inhibitory effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells from passively-sensitized patients

AIM: To investigate the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ on the proliferation of passively-sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), and to explore its potential role in asthmatic airway remodeling.METHODS: HASMCs were passively sensitized with 10% serum from asthmatic patients.1,25-(OH)₂D₃ was used as the interventor.The effect of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ on the cell proliferation and its optimal concentration were determined by MTT colorimetric assay.The cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry.The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was measured by the method of immunocytochemical staining.RESULTS: 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ at the concentrations of 10^-9-10^-7 mol/L markedly inhibited the cell proliferation and the maximum effect was observed at the concentration of 10^-7 mol/L.This concentration of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ markedly suppressed the PCNA-positive rate and hampered the G₁/S transition in HASMCs passively-sensitized by asthmatic serum.CONCLUSION: 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ has direct inhibitory effects on the proliferation of passively-sensitized HASMCs in vitro, which may be concerned with the beneficial role of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ on the prevention and therapy of asthmatic airway remodeling.