Figure 3.

Apelin enhances autophagy flux in degenerative NP cells under oxidative stress. (a) RT-PCR analysis for LC3 and p62 after treatment of Apelin 13 /CQ under oxidative stress. The mRNA levels of LC3 are increased and p62 is decreased after Apelin 13 treatment; and LC3 is partly decreased and p62 is partly increased After autophagy is inhibited by CQ. (b) Western blot analysis for LC3II/I and p62. The protein level of LC3II/I is increased and p62 is decreased after Apelin 13 treatment; and LC3II/I is partly decreased and p62 is partly increased after autophagy is inhibited by CQ. ^∗p < 0.05, ^∗∗p < 0.01. All experiments were repeated at least three times. NP: nucleus pulposus; CQ: chloroquine.