Figure 6

OPN deficiency increased iNOS expression in the basal state and sensitized macrophages to inflammatory signals. After silencing of OPN with siRNA in RAW macrophages, the gene expression of OPN, its receptors (CD44, integrins β1, αV and β3) (a) and inflammation (iNOS and the cytokines IL1β, TNFα and IL6) (b) were evaluated in the basal state (n=3). (c) After silencing of OPN with siRNA, RAW macrophages were incubated or not with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 6 h. The gene expression of iNOS, IL1β, TNFα and IL6 was then evaluated (n=3). The mRNA levels were normalized to RPLP0 mRNA levels and expressed as fold stimulation±S.E.M. versus si Ctr or si Ctr plus LPS. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann–Whitney or Student’s t-test. *versus si Ctr and ^$versus si Ctr plus LPS. P<0.05