Fig. 6

mRNA and protein expression levels of cytokines in renal tissue and lymphocytes. Total RNA and protein were extracted from the renal tissue and lymphocytes of mice. Then, the mRNA was quantified using real-time PCR, while the protein expression was evaluated using western blotting analysis. a mRNA and protein expression of IL-17, IL-6, Foxp3 and IL-10 in renal tissues and b mRNA and protein expression of IL-17, IL-6, Foxp3 and IL-10 in lymphocytes. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 compared with LN mice