Fig. 7

Caspases levels detection in human MSCs under hypoxia. Human BM-MSCs were treated with MG132 inhibitor (10 µm), and two different hypoxia levels: 2.5% (moderate hypoxia) and 0.5% (severe hypoxia) for 24 h, followed by subsequent analysis of Caspases activation. a Caspases 3/7 activity assay was performed by measuring the fluorescent intensity of breaking down DEVD substrate. The findings demonstrated huge increase in the activation of Caspases 3 and 7 in MG132 and severe hypoxia-treated human BM-MSCs weighed against normoxia and moderate hypoxia, while in moderate hypoxia, Caspases 3 and 7 activity in human BM-MSCs was as low as in normoxia. n = 6; Caspases 3/7 live fluorescent images were captured at FITC filter as further confirmation for the above assay and results. b Western blot detection of cleaved caspase 3 protein levels evinced high levels in MG132 and severe hypoxia-treated human BM-MSCs considerably to normoxia and moderate hypoxia where its levels were stayed low. n = 3. *p < 0.05 compared to normoxia group; #p < 0.05 compared to moderate hypoxia. Each experiment was repeated 3 times