Fig. 2

Effects of TFPI2 knockdown on MMP expression, fibroblast activation, and migration after MI

(a) Western blot analysis of MMP2 and MMP9 in the infarcted heart tissue samples and their quantitative analysis (n = 3, respectively). (b, c) Representative staining of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in the infarcted heart tissue samples and their quantitative analysis (n = 3). (d) Western blot analysis of MMP2 and MMP9 in CFs transfected with sh-TFPI2 (n = 3, respectively). (e, f) Wound healing and Transwell assays for determination of CF migration. (e) CFs on the external surface of the Transwell chambers were stained using crystal violet and imaged under a microscope (magnification: ×200). (f) Wounds were made through the cell monolayer and visualized under a microscope after 24 h. MI, myocardial infarction; sh-NC, sh-NC transfection; sh-TFPI2, sh-TFPI2 transfection. Data represent mean ± standard deviation (SD). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. ^*P < 0.05, ^**P < 0.01, ^***P < 0.001