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

Figure 1

Dysregulated ECM metabolism, increased apoptosis, and inflammatory infiltration in degenerated NP tissue. (a) Immunohistochemical staining assay of ACAN, ADAMTS4, and TNF-α in normal and degenerated human NP tissues. (b) The mRNA expression levels of COL2A1, ADAMTS4, BAX, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX2 were detected by qPCR in normal and degenerated human NP tissues. (c, d) Protein expression levels of COL2A1, ADAMTS4, BAX, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX2 were detected by western blotting in normal and degenerated human NP tissues. The densities of the protein bands were assessed and quantified using the ImageJ software. The left images (magnification: ×200, scale bar: 100 μm) and the right images (magnification: ×400, scale bar: 50 μm) are shown. , .

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