Fig. 5

Sox2 overexpression suppressed noise-induced upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. A The mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (Aif, Bax, EndoG, Casp3, Casp8, and Casp9) were elevated 6 h after the completion of noise exposure. B The mRNA expression levels of necrosis-related genes (Prkaα1, Ripk1, and Ripk3) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tnf, Il-1β, and Il-6) were elevated 6 h after the completion of noise exposure. C TNF-α immunofluorescence in HCs after noise exposure. The TNF-α expression level was elevated after traumatic noise exposure in HCs, while it was inhibited in the Sox2 overexpression group. Parvalbumin is used as a marker of cochlear HCs. Data are presented as means ± SEM.; n = 6. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01. Scale bar = 20 μm