Autophagy in anti-apoptotic effect of augmenter of liver regeneration in HepG2 cells

Figure 4 Role of autophagy in the anti-apoptotic effect of augmenter of liver regeneration in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were transfected with the augmenter of liver regeneration-expressing plasmid or a control vector and cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) for 6 h, followed by treatment with serum-free medium. 3-MA (final concentration, 750 ng/mL) was added to DMEM when the medium was changed to serum-free medium. Apoptosis was observed at 24 h after serum deprivation. Control, normal HepG2 cells were cultured in medium with 10% serum. A: Cells were stained with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (KeyGEN BioTECH) and observed by fluorescence microscopy; B, C: Cells were stained with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (KeyGEN BioTECH) and monitored by flow cytometry. Digital data are presented as the mean ± SD from at least three independent experiments; ^aP < 0.05. 3-MA: 3-Methyladenine; ALR: Augmenter of liver regeneration.