Fig. 3.

Relative mRNA expression of type I, IV collagens and type II, VIII MMP were determined by RT-PCR method and the target gene levels were normalized to the housekeeping gene 18sRNA. (A) The mRNA level of type I, IV collagen was increased by treatment of CoQ₁₀, and it also dose-dependently enhanced in fibroblasts. Conversely, CoQ₁₀ treatment decreased the mRNA levels of type type II, VIII MMP. Results are means ± SD. n = 3–7, **p<0.01. (B) Type I collagen protein expression in fibroblasts of SIPS model was determined by immunofluorescence, cell nuclei are stained blue with DAPI, and type I collagen protein is stained green with Alexa Fluor 488 probe.