Figure 2. Real-time PCR results of IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α mRNAs. Real-time PCR results of IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α mRNAs in SV40-immortalized HCECs pretreated with 17-β-estradiol and exposed to hyperosmolar media for 24 h. Controls were cells cultured in hyperosmolar media without pretreatment with 17-β-estradiol. IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was gradually upregulated in a 450 mOsM hyperosmotic medium from 3 to 24 h. Pretreatment with 17-β-estradiol greatly inhibited IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α mRNA expression and the suppression effect lasted as long as 24 h. Similar results were obtained in three independent experiments. *p<0.05, **p<0.01.