a, b The LanthaScreen TR-FRET GR competitive binding assays of Dex and HT-15 (n = 4). c SiGR were transfected into A549 cells. After 48 h, the GR knockdown efficiency was determined with Q-PCR and Western blot (n = 5). d After knockdown, the mRNA expression levels of GR (n = 6). e, f The mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and COX-2 in normal A549 cells or in siRNA-treated control groups. Values were presented as mean ± SD. *P < 0.05 versus TNF-ɑ stimulated group (n = 6 in each group). g Effect of the compounds on GR nuclear localization. A549 cells were treated with the tested compounds (10 μM, 2 h) to visualize the nuclear accumulation of GR. (scale bar = 50 μm).