Fig. 5

Overexpression of miR-320a-3p exerts antifibrotic effects both in vitro and in vivo by targeting FOXM1. A qRT-PCR and B western blot analysis showing that enhanced miR-320a-3p expression inhibited FOXM1 expression induced by TGF-β1. C Western bolt showing that overexpression of FOXM1 significantly counteracted the inhibitory effects of miR-320a-3p in fibroblast activation via TGF-β1 treatment. D Sections stained with H&E suggested the lung fibrotic lesion of each group; arrow indicates representative fibrosis foci (n = 6 in each group). E Western blot analysis of fibronectin, collagen I, FOXM1, and α-SMA in each group. F Collagen deposition was detected by hydroxyproline content assay. All data expressed as mean ± SD of at least three independent experiments, *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01