Interaction between miR-152 and fibrosis-associated genes. (A) The downregulation of α-SMA mRNA expression in LX2 cells transfected with an miR-152 mimic was determined by RT-qPCR. (B) The upregulation of albumin mRNA expression in LX2 cells transfected with an miR-152 mimic was examined by RT-qPCR. (C) The downregulation of Gli3 mRNA expression in LX2 cells transfected with an miR-152 mimic was measured by RT-qPCR. (D) α-SMA, albumin and Gli3 protein expression in LX2 cells transfected with miR-152 mimics were analysed via western blotting with GAPDH as an internal control. (E) Relative luciferase activities of luciferase reporters bearing WT or mutant Gli3 were analysed 48 h following transfection with the indicated miR-152 mimics/inhibitor or NC mimic/inhibitor. **P<0.01. miR, microRNA; α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin; NC, negative control; Gli3, GLI family zinc finger 3; WT, wild type.