Fig. 1From: Progestin and adipoQ receptor 7 (PAQR7) mediate the anti-apoptotic effect of P4 on human granulosa cells and its deficiency reduces ovarian function in female miceEffects of progesterone (P4) on apoptosis of human KGN cells. (A and B) Effects of P4 on the apoptosis of KGN cells was examined by annexin V-Fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining. Early apoptotic cells show green fluorescence (Annexin V+/PI-), while late apoptotic cells and necrotic cells show green and red fluorescence (Annexin V+/PI+). 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (blue) was used to stain the nuclei. Scale bars represent 50 μm. (C) A sample of western blot analysis measuring the protein levels of Cleaved-CASPASE-3-3, BAX and BCL2 in KGN cells after P4 treatment or aminoglutethimide (AG), or P4 and AG co-incubation (P4 + AG). (D-G) Statistical analyses of BCL2 (D), BAX (E), BAX/BCL2 ratio (F) and Cleaved- CASPASE-3 (G) were conducted by quantifying the gray value of target bands normalized to that detected by the anti-GAPDH antibody (loading control) using Image J software. (H) The mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes (CASPASE-3, BAX and BCL2) in KGN cells were analyzed after P4 treatment or AG, P4 and AG co-incubation (P4 + AG) by real-time quantitative PCR. Values are presented as the mean ± SD. The experiment was repeated three times. *P < 0.05, One-way ANOVA analysisBack to article page