TNF-α induced the expression of osteoblast genes in primary cells from TOLF.

<p>Primary ligamentum flavum cells were derived from TOLF patients. Primary cells were treated with 100 ng/ml TNF-α or as indicated for 24 hr. Total RNA was isolated and measured by real time RT-PCR. The RNA level from the control group was normalized to a value of 1. Values were presented as the mean ±S.D. A paired <i>t</i>-test was performed comparing control and TNF-α group. *: A star indicates statistical significance compared to control group with p <0.05. A) Effect of TNF-α on the expressions of Bmp2 and Osx; B) TNF-α induced Osx gene expression in a dose-dependent manner; C) Fold change of the expression of Osx. Primary ligamentum flavum cells derived from TOLF patients were treated with 100 ng/ml of TNF-α for 24 h. U0126 and SP600125 were added to the culture medium 2 h before TNF-α treatment.