Knockdown of ASH2L decreases fibrosis and inflammation in mesangial cells. (A) Western blot analysis of ASH2L, fibrosis markers (FN, Collagen 3, α-SMA, and CTGF), and inflammatory mediators (iNOS, and IL-6) expression in SV40-MES-13 cells treated with or without 33 mM D-glucose for 24 h after being transfected with negative control (siNC) or ASH2L small interfering RNA (siAsh2l). Data from at least three independent experiments are shown as mean ± S.D, ** p < 0.01, and *** p < 0.001. (B) Immunofluorescence staining of ASH2L, α-SMA, and IL-6 in SV40-MES-13 cells treated with or without 33 mM D-glucose for 24 h after transfection with siNC or siAsh2l. (C) Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of Nos2, Il-6, and Col3a2 in SV40-MES-13 cells treated with or without 33 mM D-glucose for 24 h after transfection with siNC or siAsh2l. Data from at least three independent experiments are shown as mean ± S.D, * p < 0.05, and *** p < 0.001.