Cd induces the expression of autophagy-related genes and lysosomal biogenesis. MSCs were treated with Cd at various concentrations (0, 3.5, 7, 14 μM) for 24 h. (a) The mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes were determined using RT-PCR. (b) The mRNA levels of lysosomal biogenesis genes were determined using RT-PCR. The results are expressed as the percentage of the control, which was set at 100 %. The values are presented as the means ±SEM, *p < 0.05,**p < 0.01 versus the control group. (n = 3).