Effect of EZH2 on the expression of degeneration-related genes in rat EPCs. (A, B) Western blot and its quantification showed the level of aggrecan and Collagen II, MMP13 and ADAMTS4 after treatment with IL-1β or Lenti-EZH2. (C) The mRNA expression of aggrecan and Collagen II, MMP13 and ADAMTS4 were measured by real-time PCR after treatment with IL-1β or Lenti-EZH2. (D, E) Western blot and its quantification showed the level of aggrecan, Collagen II, MMP13 and ADAMTS4 after treatment with IL-1β or siEZH2 or EPZ or combination. (F) The mRNA expression of aggrecan and Collagen II, MMP13 and ADAMTS4 were measured by real-time PCR after treatment with IL-1β or siEZH2 or EPZ or combination. All experiments were performed three times, and data are reported as the mean ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.