Increased Expression of Prolyl Endopeptidase Induced by Oxidative Stress in Nucleus Pulposus Cells Aggravates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Figure 2

Low-concentration TBHP stimulation inhibits PREP expression by activating PI3K signaling pathway in NPs. (a) The expression of PREP in NP cells was analyzed by qRT-PCR. (b) Western blotting for the expression of PREP and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related proteins. (c) Quantitative analysis of the protein contents of AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, p-PI3K, and PREP. Results are shown as , , , . (d) Immunofluorescence images of PREP in human NP cells with or without LY294002 treatment. Scale bar, 50 μm. (e) Western blotting for the protein levels of AKT, p-AKT, and PREP. (f) Quantitative analysis of the protein contents of AKT, p-AKT, and PREP. Results are shown as , , . (g) Immunofluorescence images of PREP in human NP cells with or without 740 Y-P treatment. Scale bar, 50 μm.

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