Fig. 3

Effect of MPs or rhEPO on EMT markers in MDCK cells. A–C qRT-PCR of E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA mRNA in MDCK cells co-treated with TGF-β1 and MPs or rhEPO. Compared to vehicle-treated MDCK cells, TGF-β1 treatment significantly decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and α-SMA mRNA expression. MOCK-MPs, hEPO-MPs, and rhEPO reversed these changes in E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA mRNA expression. D Western blotting for E-cadherin, α-SMA, and fibronectin protein levels in MDCK cells co-treated with TGF-β1 and MPs or rhEPO. Compared to vehicle-treated MDCK cells, TGF-β1 significantly decreased E-cadherin expression (E) and increased α-SMA and fibronectin expression (F, G). Co-treatment with MOCK-MPs, hEPO-MPs, and rhEPO significantly ameliorated these changes induced by TGF-β1. Western blotting data were normalized to GAPDH. Molecular weights are shown in kDa. Data are presented as mean ± SD; n = 4~5 for each experimental group. ^aP < 0.05 vs. vehicle, ^bP < 0.05 vs. TGF-β1, ^cP < 0.05 vs. TGF-β1+MOCK-MPs, ^dP < 0.05 vs. TGF-β1+hEPO-MPs, ^eP < 0.05 vs. TGF-β1+rhEPO