Apelin Promotes ECM Synthesis by Enhancing Autophagy Flux via TFEB in Human Degenerative NP Cells under Oxidative Stress

Figure 2

Apelin promotes ECM synthesis of degenerative NP cells under oxidative stress. (a) DMMB analysis for GAG content after treatment of Apelin 13/CQ under oxidative stress. The GAG content is increased after Apelin 13 treatment, and they are partly decreased after autophagy is inhibited by CQ. (b) RT-PCR analysis for Collagen II and Aggrecan after treatment of Apelin 13 or/and CQ under oxidative stress. The mRNA levels of Collagen II and Aggrecan are increased after Apelin 13 treatment, and they are partly decreased after autophagy is inhibited by CQ. (c) Western blot analysis for Collagen II and Aggrecan after treatment of Apelin 13/CQ under oxidative stress. The protein levels of Collagen II and Aggrecan are increased after Apelin 13 treatment, and they are partly decreased after autophagy is inhibited by CQ. , . All experiments were repeated at least three times. ECM: extracellular matrix; NP: nucleus pulposus; DMMB: 1,9-dimethylmethyleneblue; GAG: glycosaminoglycan; CQ: chloroquine.

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