The Involvement of Notch1-RBP-Jk/Msx2 Signaling Pathway in Aortic Calcification of Diabetic Nephropathy Rats

Figure 5

Detection of α-SMA and Runx2 levels by immunohistochemical analysis. α-SMA protein was extensively expressed in the aortic wall of normal rats at 8 weeks (a), 12 weeks (b), and 16 weeks (c), whereas the expression of α-SMA in the aortic tissue of DN + VDN group was significantly decreased at all time points, 8 weeks (d), 12 weeks (e), and 16 weeks (f). (g) Quantitative analysis of α-SMA was performed. Runx2 protein was weakly expressed in the wall of the aorta in normal rats at 8 weeks (h), 12 weeks (i), and 16 weeks (j). Its expression was significantly increased in the DN + VDN group at 8 weeks (k), 12 weeks (l), and 16 weeks (m). (n) Quantitative analysis of Runx2 was performed. Data presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). and versus Nor group; ^Δ. Nor group: normal controls; DN + VDN group: diabetic nephropathy rats with vitamin D3/nicotine-induced vascular calcification.

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