FIG. 3.

RT-PCR outcomes showing similar expression levels of genes for SMCs and elastic matrix homeostatic markers by both SPION-BM-SMCs (0.5 mg/mL SPIONS) and unlabeled BM-SMCs. Expression levels of all genes were normalized to expression of a reference gene (18S) and indicated as mean ± SD of RFU from n = 6 replicate cultures/condition. * indicates significant differences in gene expression between BM-SMCs or SPION-BM-SMCs versus RASMCs, deemed for p < 0.05. RAMSC, rat aortic SMCs; RFU, relative fluorescence unit; RT-PCR, real time–polymerase chain reaction.