Fig. 2

KLF3-AS1 in exosomes secreted by human mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit pyroptosis and attenuate MI in MI rat model. Note: After MI rats were injected with PBS, exosome, NC exosome, and KLF3-AS1 exosome, the expression of KLF3-AS1 was measured in each group (a). The PKH67-labeled exosomes were injected into MI rat model, and then, fluorescence microscope was used to clarify the location of PKH67 labeled exosomes in myocardial tissues (× 200) (b). TTC staining to observe the effect of KLF3-AS1 and exosomes on infarct zone of myocardial tissues (c). The heart weight/tibia length ratio of rats was calculated (d). H&E staining was performed to identify the morphology of myocardial tissues of MI rats (× 200) (e). Cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining (× 200) (f). The mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1/cleaved-caspase-1, and GSDMD/cleaved-GSDMD were measured by qRT-PCR (g) and Western blot (h). The inflammatory response in myocardial tissues was reflected by expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 by ELISA (i). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, vs PBS group; ^#P < 0.05, vs NC exosome group; MI, myocardial infarct; LVEDD, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction