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

Figure 3

PREP promotes apoptosis of NPs. (a) The qRT-PCR measured the interference efficiency of PREP in NP cells. Results are shown as , , , . (b) Western blotting for the protein levels of PREP. (c, d) The qRT-PCR showed messenger RNA expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in NP cells. Results are shown as , , . (e) Western blotting for the protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bax. (f) Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis in NP cells, . (g–i) The qRT-PCR showed messenger RNA expression of PREP, Bcl-2, and Bax in NP cells with PREP overexpression. Results are shown as , , , . (j) Western blotting for the protein levels of PREP, Bcl-2, and Bax. (k) Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis in NP cells with PREP overexpression, .

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