Fibrogenic EMT of EMCs is induced differentially by IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β.

<p>Non-confluent EMC cultures were stimulated with IL-1β, TNF-α, or TGF-β, and examined after 48 and 96<b> </b>h by <b>A</b>, phase contrast microscopy for morphology, <b>B</b>, immunofluorescence of epicardial cell markers (Wilms Tumor protein homolog (WT1)) and <b>C</b>, fibrogenic markers (S100A4 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)). qRT-PCR for expression of the EMT biomarkers <b>D</b>, α-SMA, <b>E</b>, Slug and <b>F,</b> E-cadherin. For immunofluorescence, fibroblasts and antibody isotype controls (not shown) were used to assess non-specific staining. qRT-PCR data (means+SD, n = 3) were normalized against GAPDH and RPL13A, and statistical significance was tested by one-way ANOVA and treatment effects by Tukey’s post test. *<i>P</i><0.05, ***<i>P</i><0.001 vs. the control (CTL) at indicated time-points.