Fig. 4

Transplantation of LEPLCs reduced fibrotic histopathologic changes and downregulated the expression of fibrotic-related genes in the PPE-induced pulmonary emphysema mouse model. Effects of LEPLCs treatment on extracellular matrix production and fibrosis-related genes. Lung tissues were collected at week 6 post-PPE treatment. a Masson’s trichrome, and c Sirius red stained histological sections from each group. Scale bar = 100 μm. The boxed regions in the a upper panel are magnified in the lower panel, and the violet staining indicates collagenous material. The fibrillar collagen appears as red structures (arrow). b, d Masson trichrome and Sirius red staining were calculated as histopathological scores. In all sub figs., n ≥ 5. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed to analyze the mRNA expression of fibrotic-related genes e ColI, f, ColIII, and g Tgf-β1. Values were normalized to the Gapdh gene and expressed in relation to the PBS group. Data are represented as the mean ± SD; n ≥ 5 per group. * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01