Figure 4

Changes of NLRP3 protein level detected by Western blot and mRNA level detected by Q-PCR in the FLS. FLS were stimulated with 1 ug/ml, 10 ug/ml, 50 ug/ml, 100 ug/ml, 250 ug/ml and 500 ug/ml of MSU at short-term time point 6 h and long-term time point 48 h respectively. Western blot analysis detected the NLPRP3 protein levels in different groups were expressed as a ratio to that of corresponding GAPDH at the 6 h time point (A). The expected size protein band of NLPRP3 was shown at the 6 h time point (B). At the 48 h time point, the NLPRP3 protein levels in different groups were expressed as a ratio to that of corresponding GAPDH (C). The expected size protein band of NLPRP3 was shown at the 48 h time point (D). There was significant difference for the levels of NLRP3 mRNA expression in the cells of FLS exposed to 50 ug/ml, 100 ug/ml, 250 ug/ml and 500 ug/ml concentration MSU at the 6 h time course (E). The dramatically increase for the NLRP3 mRNA levels in the cells of FLS exposed to all concentration MSU at the 48 h time course were detected (F). Data presented are mean ± S.E.M. Data are three independent experiments. *represents P < 0.05, **represents P < 0.01 and ***represents P < 0.001 in comparison with control during statistical analysis.