mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines and ER stress-related factors of the 3D HTM spheroids after a mechanical compression stress for different time durations. Untreated 3D HTM spheroids were mechanically compressed on day 6 for 10, 30, or 60 min and subjected to a qPCR analysis to estimate the expression of mRNA of the inflammatory cytokines (IL1 and IL6) and ER stress-related factors (glucose regulator protein (GRP) 78, GRP94, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), and spliced XBP1 (sXBP1)). All the experiments were performed in duplicate using fresh preparations (n = 4). The data are presented as the arithmetic means ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.005 (ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test).