Figure 7

Analysis of the expression of ECM remodeling factors. (a) Type 1 collagen; (b, c) TIMP-1 and -2; and (d–g) MMP-2, -9, -13 and -14 mRNAs were quantified by semiquantitative RT-PCR. (h) MMP-9 and uPA protein levels were evaluated by western blotting and (i, j) quantified by densitometric analysis. Samples were obtained from normal rats, N; control fibrotic animals, S; fibrotic animals transplanted with MSCs, M, or MSCs/HGF, H. Data represent the mean±s.d. for each group. MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; TIMP, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, uPA, urokinase type plasminogen activator (*P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.005).