ROS-Dependent Activation of Autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway Is Induced by Hydroxysafflor Yellow A-Sonodynamic Therapy in THP-1 Macrophages

Figure 4

Knockdown of Atg5 or mTOR had different effects on HSYA-SDT-induced autophagy in THP-1 macrophages. (a) Representative Western blots and quantification of Atg5 following siRNA treatment are shown. (b) Representative Western blots and quantification of mTOR and p-mTOR following siRNA treatment are shown. (c) LC3-Ι, LC3-ΙΙ, and p62 protein expression was analyzed by Western blots post-HSYA-SDT following Atg5 or mTOR siRNA treatment, and quantifications of the LC3-ΙΙ/LC3-Ι ratio and p62 are shown. (d) Autophagic vacuoles were analyzed using MDC staining in HSYA-SDT-treated cells following Atg5 or mTOR siRNA treatment (scale bar, 20 μm). (e) ELISAs of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-1β secreted by THP-1 macrophages following Atg5 or mTOR siRNA treatment. All data are mean ± standard error (). , , and versus Control.

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