Fig. 4. The effect of TIMP-1 on human macrophages. (A) The protein expressions of CD68 (macrophage maturation marker) and CD163 (M2 macrophage marker) from macrophages in response to TIMP-1 in a dose-dependent manner. (B) The effects of anti-CD63 antibody treatment on TIMP-1-stimulated macrophages. (C) Macrophage polarization was evaluated by flow cytometry. The levels of VEGF from macrophages in response to TIMP-1 in (D) a dose-dependent manner or with (E) the presence of anti-CD63 treatment (n = 6 for each group). Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.

Dex, dexamethasone; TIMP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PBS, phosphate buffered saline.

^*P < 0.05, ^**P < 0.01, and ^***P < 0.001 by one-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni post hoc test.