Fig. 4

hUSCs inhibited the apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells induced by CTX through paracrine effects. A, B Microscopic observation of the apoptosis of GCs (A) and the apoptotic ratios of GCs (B) in the normal group, CTX group, CTX + hUSCs group, and CTX + hUSC-CM group were measured by microscope and flow cytometry. C In vitro GC injury models were established with CTX (5 mg/mL, 24 h) in GCs. Then, the GCs were treated with hUSCs, hUSC-CM, and hUSC-Exo for an additional 24 h. D A representative image of hUSC-Exo was taken under the electron microscope. E The particle size of hUSC-Exo was measured by particle size analysis. F The expressions of CD81, TSG101, CD63, and CD9 were determined by Western blot in hUSC-Exo and hUSCs. G Live–dead staining of cells was performed with immunofluorescence analysis to identify death and apoptosis of GCs and the expression of PCNA