Cryptotanshinone induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Figure 3 Cryptotanshinone activates the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in activated LX2 cells. A: Western blot analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related protein expression in LX2 cells; B: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of Grp78 and CHOP mRNA levels in LX2 cells; C: Western blot analysis of ERS-related protein expression in LO2 cells; D: RT-PCR analysis of Grp78 and CHOP mRNA levels in LO2 cells; E and F: Western blot analyses of ATF4, PERK, and IRE1 signaling pathways in hepatic stellate cells; G: Transmission electron microscopy showing that CPT caused ER swelling and destruction of the mitochondrial membrane integrity. Data are presented as mean ± SD. ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01 versus control. ER: Endoplasmic reticulum.