Fig. 2

NLRP3 activation promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMC. A, B Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of NLRP3 in 8 generations of SMCs following combined treatment with LPS and PTX, and the mRNA levels of NLRP3 were detected using qPCR (n = 3, ###, p < 0.001, versus R0 of no LPS treatment group; ***, p < 0.001, versus R0 of LPS treatment group). C VSMCs were pre-stimulated with LPS for 24 h, followed by a 2 h stimulation with ATP, before western blot analysis to assess the expression of NLRP3 and its downstream molecules in the cells (n = 3). D Transwell assays were performed to analyze the migratory capacity of the cells under different treatment conditions (scale bar: 100 μm; n = 3). E EDU assay was conducted to analyze the proliferative capacity of VSMCs under different treatment conditions (scale bar: 50 μm, n = 3). F The supernatants of the VSMC culture media were collected and centrifuged, followed by ELISA to measure the level of IL-1β (n = 5). G Cell scratch assay was performed to evaluate the impact of different treatments on cell migration (n = 3). (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001)