Fig. 9

Induction of COX 2 and NF-κB expression over the long term is reduced by co-cultivation with MSCs. Macrophages were transfected with plasmids as described in the Methods section to evaluate the expression of COX 2 and NF-κB. Macrophages were then co-cultivated or not with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and stimulated with LPS. The induction fold was determined and the luciferase activity was normalized to the β-galactosidase activity. a NF-κB expression increased in the macrophages treated with LPS when compared with the untreated group at 24 and 48 h. This increase is reduced in the group co-cultured with MSCs. b There was a significant increase in COX-2 protein expression in the group treated with LPS when compared with the untreated group at 24 and 48 h. This increase was inhibited by co-cultivation with MSCs. Data represent the mean ± SEM, n = 5. ^## p < 0.01, ^### p < 0.001, versus corresponding untreated controls; **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, versus corresponding RAW counterparts