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

Figure 4 The endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway leads to LX2 cell apoptosis and reduces collagen deposition induced by cryptotanshinone. A: Protein expression of Grp78 and CHOP was determined using Western blot analysis; B: mRNA levels of Grp78 and CHOP were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); C: Protein expression of collagen type I and α-SMA was determined using Western blot analysis; D: mRNA levels of α-SMA and collagen I were determined using RT-PCR; E: TUNEL staining was used to assess LX2 cell apoptosis. Red fluorescence indicates apoptotic cells. Scale bars: 100 μm; F: Protein expression of Bax and Bcl2 was determined using Western blot analysis; G: mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl2 were determined using RT-PCR; H: Flow cytometry data are presented as mean ± SD. ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01, ^cP < 0.001 versus control. CPT: Cryptotanshinone; FITC: Fluorescein isothiocyanate.