Research Paper Volume 16, Issue 16 pp 11857—11876
Circ_0006476 modulates macrophage apoptosis through the miR-3074-5p/DLL4 axis: implications for Notch signalling pathway regulation in cardiovascular disease
Figure 1. Nicotine induces apoptosis in THP-1 macrophages. (A) Dose-dependent expression of apoptosis-related proteins in THP-1 macrophages (24 h of exposure) analysed by WB. (B) Hoechst staining of THP-1 macrophages (bright blue represents the apoptotic cell nucleus) (scale bar: 50 μm). (C) TUNEL staining was used to evaluate the number of apoptotic THP-1 macrophages (green fluorescence indicates apoptotic cells) (scale bar: 50 μm). (D) Flow cytometry assay measuring apoptotic and necrotic cell levels. (n = 3. The data are presented as the mean ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001 vs. the control group).