Figure 2. miR-29b mimic blunts pathological signs of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

A Real-time PCR analysis indicates a reduction in all miR-29 family members in response to bleomycin, while miR-29 mimic treatment resulted in the increased detection of miR-29b levels compared to either control- or saline-injected animals. *P < 0.05 versus Saline/Saline.

B Real-time PCR analysis indicated a comparable decline in miR-29 levels in pulmonary biopsies of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) compared to normal controls. *P < 0.05 versus Normal.

C Histological examination by trichrome staining showing pronounced fibrotic and inflammatory response in response to bleomycin, which was blunted by miR-29b mimic treatment. Scale bar indicates 100 μm.

D Hydroxyproline measurements to assay for total collagen content showed a significant increase following bleomycin treatment in both saline- and control-treated groups, while there was no statistical difference in the miR-29 mimic-treated group between saline- and bleomycin-treated mice.

E–G Cytokine measurements on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids indicated a significantly higher concentrations of IL-12 (E), IL-4 (F), and G-CSF (G) were detectable in BAL fluids from lungs from bleomycin-treated mice, which was reduced with miR-29b mimic (n = 4). *P < 0.05.

H Bleomycin treatment increases the detection of immune cells in BAL fluids which was significantly reduced in the presence of miR-29b mimic, while the control mimic had no effect (n = 4)., *P < 0.05 versus Saline/Bleo, ^{^}P < 0.05 versus Control/Bleo.