Figure 4

Anti-dsDNA antibodies activated NF-κB and caused inflammation in HMCs. HMCs were stimulated with anti-dsDNA antibodies. a NF-κB p65 was measured by western blot analysis of the nuclear protein extract. b Anti-dsDNA antibodies significantly increased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 compared to control IgG. c–e Anti-dsDNA antibodies significantly increased the expression of IL-1β, MCP-1 and TNF-α mRNA as measured by qPCR. f–h Anti-dsDNA antibodies also significantly increased the secretion of IL-1β, MCP-1 and TNF-α in supernatants as measured by ELISA. All experiments were repeated for three times. Data were expressed as mean ± SD, *P < 0.05, versus control media, #P < 0.05, versus control IgG. CTL Control, anti-dsDNA Abs anti-dsDNA antibodies and TG thapsigargin.