Figure 6

Genistein downregulates dexamethasone-induced leptin and its receptor and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. (a–d) Synovial fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of genistein (50 μM) or dexamethasone (1 μM) or both substances simultaneously, for 4 weeks. (Panel a) Oil-red-stained cells. Photos were taken under an inverse microscope at magnification × 40. (Panel b) ELISA measured adiponectin production in cell supernatant. (Panel c) ELISA measured leptin production in cell supernatant. ^*A, statistically different from control cells; ^*B, statistically different from genistein- and dexamethasone-treated cells; ^*C, statistically different from dexamethasone-treated cells. (Panel d) Western blot showing leptin receptor (Ob-R) expression. ERK 1/2 expression was used as control. (e and f) Synovial fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of genistein (50 μM), or glucocorticoid (1 μM) or both substances simultaneously, for 4 weeks. Synovial fibroblast were provided by OA (panel e) and RA (panel f) patients. Western blots are showing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. ERK 1/2 expression was used as control.