Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Atherosclerosis via RAGE/TLR4 Signaling Mediated-M1 Macrophage Polarization-Dependent Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Conversion

Figure 2

(a) Columns indicated fasting blood glucose (FGB) and serum AGE concentrations. (b) H&E staining of aortic root showing the atherosclerotic plaques. Columns indicate the calculated arterial stenosis caused by atherosclerosis. (c) Captured immunofluorescent staining images of iNOS which is the marker of M1 polarized macrophages. DAPI and their merged images were also demonstrated. Columns on the right panel indicate the mean fluorescent intensities of iNOS. (d) Captured immunofluorescent staining images of MYH11 which is the marker of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of contractile phenotype. DAPI and their merged images were also demonstrated. Columns on the right side indicate the mean fluorescent intensities of MYH11. (e) Captured immunofluorescent staining images of RAGE. DAPI and their merged images were also demonstrated. Columns on the right side indicate the mean fluorescent intensities of RAGE. (f) Captured immunofluorescent staining images of TLR4. DAPI and their merged images were also demonstrated. Columns on the right side indicate the mean fluorescent intensities of TLR4. AS: atherosclerotic mice; AS+DM: atherosclerotic diabetic mice; AS+DM+TAK: atherosclerotic diabetic mice treated with TAK-242. ; .

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