Research Paper Volume 11, Issue 10 pp 3348—3361
circFADS2 protects LPS-treated chondrocytes from apoptosis acting as an interceptor of miR-498/mTOR cross-talking
Figure 3. circFADS2 regulates ECM degradation and inflammation of LPS-treated chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were transfected with si-circFADS2 or si-NC, followed by LPS-treatment. (A) qPCR analysis was carried out to detect the levels of circFADS2 in each group. (B) Quantification of circFADS2 and GAPDH mRNA by northern blot analysis. (C) mRNA expression of the indicated proteins measured by qPCR; the results are normalized to the expression of GAPDH. (D) Western blotting revealing the expression of the indicated proteins; results are normalized to the expression of GAPDH. The protein levels of type II collagen, MMP13, COX-2, and IL-6 are shown in the WB-graph. (E) The IL-6 level in cells was examined by ELISA. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 vs. control group, ## P < 0.01, ### P < 0.001 vs. LPS group.