Fig. 6

Over-expression of miR-124 or knockdown of MEKK3 could prevent neuronal death and apoptosis following microglial activation in the MCS transfer model. BV2 microglial cells were transfected with miR-124 mimics/control mimics or MEKK3 siRNA/negative control for 48 h. Subsequently, the cells were incubated in the presence of LPS (1 μg/mL) for 12 h. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured normally for 24 h before adding a mixture of BV2-conditioned medium and fresh medium at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v). After 24 h, the SH-SY5Y cells were harvested. In the miR-124 mimic/control mimic group, the neuronal apoptosis level was assessed using flow cytometry analysis (a), and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the total neuronal population was calculated (b). In the MEKK3 siRNA/negative control group, the percentage of apoptotic cells in the total neuronal population was calculated (c), and the neuronal apoptosis level was assessed using flow cytometry analysis (d). Data are normalised to those of saline controls and presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. The fold change is statistically significant. **P < 0.01