Figure 7.

Gene expression analysis of Flt-1, CD45, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) using real-time RT-PCR. Data were calculated by the standard curve method and expressed as median-fold difference in expression (line within box), with 25% (top of box), and 75% (bottom of box) quartiles. Whiskers indicate 10% and 90% range of data. Relative quantitation of mRNA expression from all subject samples was performed using the standard curve method, employing the use of a set of relative standards as calibrators for the experimental samples. The calibrator for Flt-1, HGF, and SDF-1 illustrated here was human microvascular endothelial cells. Experimental sample quantities are presented as n-fold difference relative to the calibrator value. Each patient's sample and calibrator samples were assessed in triplicate.