Fig. 3. Effect of antagonizing circRNA_002581 in HFFA-induced NASH-like cell model.

NCTC-1469 cells were transfected with scrambled siRNA (negative control) or circRNA_002581 siRNA and then treated with or without HFFA (1 mM) for 72 h. a Representative images of Oil Red O staining of NCTC-1469 cells (scale bar: 200 μm) and intracellular TG contents. b ALT and AST levels in culture supernatants; and relative mRNA levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 by quantitative real-time PCR. c Apoptotic cells were identified by flow cytometry. d ATP concentration in NCTC-1469 cells. e H₂O₂ concentration and ROS level in NCTC-1469 cells. f Relative mRNA levels of CircRNA_002581 and miR-122 by quantitative real-time PCR. Error bars represent the SD. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01.