Figure 9.

Role of Nrf2 signalling in MitoQ‐mediated anti‐oxidative stress and anti‐mitochondrial disorder in compression‐exposed human NP cells. Human NP cells were transfected with siNrf2 (100 nmol/L) for 48 h followed by the administration of MitoQ and compression. (A‐B) The protein levels of Nrf2, SOD‐2, HO‐1 and NQO‐1 in the human NP cells were measured by Western blotting. (C‐D) The intracellular ROS levels in the human NP cells were detected using the DCFH‐DA and measured by flow cytometry. (E‐F) The mitochondrial ROS levels were detected using the MitoSOX Red and measured by flow cytometry. (G‐H) Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC‐1 staining and measured by flow cytometry. (I‐J) Annexin V‐APC/7‐AAD staining results showing the rate of apoptosis in human NP cells. Data are represented as the mean ± SD. ***P < .001, **P < .01, *P < .05, n = 3