Fig. 3

Matrine modulates mitochondrial function in HepG2 cells. a, b. Mitochondrial membrane potential was observed using JC-1 staining. The ratio of red to green fluorescence intensity was measured. c, d ROS production was monitored with flow cytometry. e–g The concentration of antioxidants was measured with ELISA. h The ratio of mPTP opening with or without matrine treatment was recorded. i, j. The immunofluorescence assay for cyt-c was conducted in HepG2 cells. DAPI was used to stain the nuclei. The relative expression of nuclear cyt-c was recorded. k–m Western blotting was performed to analyse the expression of cyt-c. Experiments were repeated 3 times (n = 3), and data are shown as the mean ± SEM. *P < 0.05 vs the control group. Cont control, Mat matrine