Figure 5. Dexamethasone attenuated CSE-induced neutrophil apoptosis in different genotypes.

Neutrophils isolated from COPD patients with the (a) AA genotype, (b) AG genotype or (c) GG genotype were incubated in the presence (+) or absence (−) of Dex or CSE (10 ug/ml) for 18 h. The percentage of neutrophil apoptosis (Ann V ⁺ /PI⁻) was assessed by flow cytometry. (d) Representative FACS plots of Ann V/PI staining in one sample cultured with various concentrations of Dex (0, 10⁻⁶ M and 10⁻⁴ M), with or without CSE. Data were presented as mean ± SEM. ^*P < 0.05, ^**P < 0.01, ^***P < 0.001; ^#P < 0.05, ^##P < 0.01 (compared with 10⁻⁶ M Dex- and CSE-treated cells). Dex, Dexamethasone; CSE, cigarette smoke extract.