Fig. 1

Over-expression of MEG3 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. a The medial meniscus of rats right knee joint was transected to build a rat OA model. MEG3 expression pattern was detected by RT-qPCR in cartilage tissues of rat OA model (n = 10) and sham group cartilage tissues (n = 10). b–e Chondrocytes were isolated from normal rat cartilage tissues and stimulated with 10 ng/ml IL-1β for 2 h, then transfected with si-NC, si-MEG3, pcDNA-NC or MEG3. b After transfection for 48 h, MEG3 expression was detected in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes by RT-qPCR. c Cell viability of IL-1β-induced chondrocytes transfected for 0, 24, 48 and 72 h was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) at OD450 nm. d Cell apoptosis of IL-1β-induced chondrocytes transfected for 48 h was assessed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Assay kit. e Apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl2 expression were detected by western blot assay in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes transfected for 48 h. *P < 0.05 vs. negative control