Fig. 7

ECFCs reduced CPB-induced apoptosis. Cell apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. Compared with the sham group, in the CPB group, many apoptotic cells were found, and cell apoptosis was reduced by ECFCs. The anti-apoptotic effect of ECFCs was reversed by L-NIO. Representative images and quantitative analysis (a). After CPB for 24 h, the levels of Bax, BcL-2 and cleaved caspase 3 relative to that of β-actin in the lung tissues were upregulated by CPB. Compared with those in the CPB group, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels were reduced and Bcl-2 was promoted by ECFCs. The regulatory effect of ECFCs was reversed by L-NIO. Representative images and quantitative analysis (b). (black circle, sham group; black square, CPB group; black up-pointing triangle, ECFC group; black down-pointing triangle, ECFC/L group)