Figure 2.

MSCs transplantation attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in DN rats. A, Real‐time PCR analysis of mRNA expression of IL1β, IL6, TNFα and MCP‐1 in kidneys of NC, DN + Saline and DN + MSC after 12 weeks. Data shown are the mean ± SD (n = 7 per group). ***P < .001 vs NC group, ###P < .001 vs DN + Saline group. B, Representative Masson's trichrome‐stained (Bar = 50 µm) kidney section and immunohistological staining (Original magnification, ×100) for α‐SMA (marker associated with fibrosis) in kidney section of the normal and DN rats treated with Saline or MSCs after 12 weeks. C, Real‐time PCR analysis of mRNA expression of type I collagen and α‐SMA in kidneys of the normal and DN rats treated with Saline or MSCs after 12 weeks. Data shown are the mean ± SD (n = 7 per group). ***P < .001 vs NC group, ##P < .01 vs DN + Saline group