(A) EGFP fluorescence of THP-1 macrophages transfected with lentivirus. (B, C) COX-2–silencing THP-1 macrophages were verified by RT–qPCR and Western blot. (Statistical analysis was performed using a t test, **P < 0.01.) (D, E, F, G) HIF-1ɑ expression (D), lactate production (E), and mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (F, G) were decreased in COX-2–silencing THP-1 macrophages, as quantified by RT–qPCR and ELISA. (Statistical analysis was performed using a t test, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001).