Overexpression of miR-140-3p reduces the concentration of the inflammatory cytokines in the IL-1β-induced HC-a. (A) The mRNA expression level of miR-140-3p following transfection with miR-140-3p mimics or miR-140-3p inhibitor or their respective NCs into the HC-a was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. ***P<0.001 vs. the NC mimics group. ###P<0.001 vs. the NC inhibitor group. (B) The viability of the IL-1β-induced HC-a was measured using a MTT assay. **P<0.01 vs. the Control group. ##P<0.01 vs. the IL-1β + NC mimics group. &&P<0.01 vs. the IL-1β + NC inhibitor group. The concentration of (C) IL-6, (D) TNF-α and (E) PGE2 in IL-1β-induced HC-a was measured using ELISA. ***P<0.001 vs. the Control group. ###P<0.001 vs. the IL-1β + NC mimics group. &&&P<0.001 vs. the IL-1β + NC inhibitor group. NC, negative control; miR, microRNA; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; PGE2, prostaglandin E2.