miR-21 Regulates Immune Balance Mediated by Th17/Treg in Peripheral Blood of Septic Rats during the Early Phase through Apoptosis Pathway

Figure 6

The percentages of apoptotic lymphocytes in peripheral blood were changed after transfection of miR-21 activator or inhibitor into lymphocytes of septic rats. (a) The percentages of apoptotic lymphocytes in eight-paired NC rat group, SP rat group, SP rat + miR21 mimic group, and SP rat + miR21 inhibitor group were determined by flow cytometry [t value (NC versus SP) = 23.026,  < 0.01; t value (miR-21 mimic versus SP) = 17.872,  < 0.01; t value (miR-21 inhibitor versus SP = 23.921),  < 0.05]. (b) In in vivo experiments, apoptotic lymphocytes were detected by immunofluorescence microscope in in eight-paired NC rat group, SP rat group, SP rat + miR21 mimic group, and SP rat + miR21 inhibitor group. (c) In in vitro culture, apoptotic lymphocytes were detected by immunofluorescence microscope in in eight-paired NC rat group, SP rat group, SP rat + miR21 mimic group, and SP rat + miR21 inhibitor group. NC group: normal control group; SP group: sepsis group. SP rat + miR21 mimic group: sepsis group with miR-21 activator transfected into lymphocytes; SP rat + miR21 inhibitor group: sepsis group with miR-21 inhibitor transfected into lymphocytes.  < 0.01.

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