Fig. 3.

Fucoidan reduces HBV replication in hepatocyte-derived cells. HepG2 cells were transfected with pHBV1.3 as mentioned. 24 h later, cells were treated with indicated concentrations for another 24 h. a The level of HBV DNA in the cell lysate was detected using quantitative PCR. b The expression of HBcAg in the cells was determined by western blot. c, d The productions of HBsAg (c) and HBeAg (d) in the culture supernatants were evaluated using ELISA. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, compared to the group without fucoidan treatment. All the experiments were repeated at least three times independently