Aloin Regulates Matrix Metabolism and Apoptosis in Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells via the TAK1/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Figure 6

Aloin treatment inhibits the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. (a) The expression level of NLRP3 was detected by western blot in normal and degenerated human NP tissues. The protein bands were quantified using the ImageJ software. (b) The mRNA level of NLRP3 was detected by qPCR in normal and degenerated human NP tissues. (c) The mRNA expression of NLRP3 was detected by qPCR in the different groups. (d) The expression of NLRP3 was detected at the protein level by western blotting (left panel). The protein bands were quantified by the ImageJ software (right panel). (e) NLRP3 detection by using immunofluorescence. Images (magnification: ×400, scale bar: 50 μm). In this figure, aloin was used at the concentration of 200 μM, while TNF-α was at the concentration of 10 ng/ml. , .

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