Fig. 5.

Macrophage immunomodulation, cell proliferation, and neovascularization induced by the AB-laden HA hydrogel in the murine acute endometrial damage model. (Print in colour) Statistical analysis was performed to examine the expressions of F4/80 (a) (marker of macrophages), CD163 (b) (marker of M2 macrophages), CD86 (c) (marker of M1 macrophages) and concurrent expression of CD163 and CD86 (d) (n = 8). ELISA for IL-6 (e), TNF-α (f), IL-1β (g) and IL-10 (h) in uteri under different treatments (n = 4). Statistical analysis was performed to examine the expressions of Ki67 (e) (marker associated with cell proliferation) and CD31 (f) (marker of capillary vessels) (n = 8). The results in a-d, i and j were normalized to the total number of cells per view under a 400 × magnification and expressed as a ratio of the total number of cells positive for a marker to the total number of cells present. NR, natural repair without any treatment; ABs, injection of an AB solution only; HA, injection of HA only; HA/ABs, injection of the AB-laden HA hydrogel. *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01.