Figure 3

Effects of astaxanthin on serum levels of TNF-α and colonic expression levels of TNF-α , IL-1β , IL-6 , F4/80 , CCL2 , and CXCL2 mRNA in experimental mice. (A) The serum concentration of TNF-α was measured by enzyme immunoassay. (B) Total RNA was isolated from the colonic mucosa of experimental mice, and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, F4/80, CCL2, and CXCL2 mRNA were examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR using specific primers. Values are expressed as mean ± SD (triple assays). *P < 0.05