Fig. 4

Circ_SLC39A8 exerted its functions by sponging miR-591 in OA chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes were transfected with si-NC, si-circ_SLC39A8#1, si-circ_SLC39A8#1 + anti-NC, or si-circ_SLC39A8#1 + anti-miR-591. a The level of miR-591 was examined by qRT-PCR. b CCK-8 assay was conducted to evaluate cell viability. c Protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3, cleaved caspase 3, caspase 9, and cleaved caspase 9 were examined by western blot assay. d The protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP3, and collagen type II were determined using western blot analysis. *P<0.05