Oxygen-Sensing Nox4 Generates Genotoxic ROS to Induce Premature Senescence of Nucleus Pulposus Cells through MAPK and NF-κB Pathways

Figure 7

Nox4 overexpression accelerated senescence of NP cells. (a, b) RT-qPCR analysis () and representative immunoblot analysis of p53, p16, p21, and Rb in NP cells overexpressing Nox4. (c) The percentage of SA-β-gal-positive NP cells overexpressing Nox4 (). (d, e) Immunofluorescence staining of BrdU and percentage of BrdU-positive cells in NP cells overexpressing Nox4 (). (f, g) RT-qPCR analysis of matrix degradation enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines in NP cells overexpressing Nox4 (). NP cells were transfected with Nox4 vectors for Nox4 overexpression. , value < 0.05, error bars represent standard error.

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