Fig. 7: Evaluation of str-ZPM Gel regeneration efficacy in vivo. | Nature Communications

Fig. 7: Evaluation of str-ZPM Gel regeneration efficacy in vivo.

From: Streamlined metal-based hydrogel facilitates stem cell differentiation, extracellular matrix homeostasis and cartilage repair in male rats

Fig. 7

a Microscopic geomorphology at 8 weeks. b Young’s modulus of different newborn cartilage tissues. Data were presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3 independent experiments). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test. c Representative H&E, Toluidine blue and Safranin O/fast green staining at 8 weeks. Rectangular boxes on the left and right indicate new tissues and defect edges, respectively. d Heatmap of variables of histological scoring at 4 and 8 weeks. e Histological scores of different groups. Data were presented as the mean ± SD (n = 4 independent experiments). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test. f Representative immunohistochemistry images showing the protein expression level of Aggrecan, COL2A1 and MMP13 at 4 and 8 weeks. g–i Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical staining. Data were presented as the mean ± SD (n = 4 independent experiments). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.

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