Fig. 3

Expressions of key mediators in NF-κB signaling pathway. Expression levels of p-NF-κB, p-IκB-α, and IκB-α in the NF-κB signaling pathway were measured by Western blot analysis using the specific primary antibodies and HRP-labeled anti-rabbit IgG antibody. After the intensity of each band was determined using an imaging densitometer, the relative levels of the three proteins were calculated based on the intensity of actin. Four to six mice per group were used to prepare the total tissue homogenate, and Western blot analyses were assayed in duplicate for each sample. Data are reported as the mean ± SD. *p < 0.05 compared with Vehicle treated group; #p < 0.05 compared with LoMP treated group; †p < 0.05 compared with MiMP treated group. LoMP, Low concentration of microplastics; MiMP, Medium concentration of microplastics; HiMP, High concentration of microplastics; NF-κB, Nuclear factor κB