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Figure 1. Characterization of cementoblasts: mRNA expression of (A) Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR-2/TLR-4), and (B) MD-2 and CD-14. Bars represent mean ± SD from two separate experiments, with similar results (n = 2). Cementoblasts (OCCM-30) were seeded, and upon reaching confluence (4 days), mRNA was extracted and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR; the results were normalized to GAPDH and to calibrator (OCCM-30) values. (C) Proliferation assay: Cementoblasts (OCCM-30) were seeded and, after 24 hrs, were treated with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide at 100 ng/mL. Cells were counted before treatment (D0), and after 2, 4, and 6 days. Graph illustrates the proportion of viable (open bar) vs. non-viable cells (dark bar) (Trypan blue staining) for a representative experiment with similar results seen in two separate experiments (n = 2). *P < 0.001 and **P < 0.05 vs. control within the same period of time. CN = control group and P-LPS = Porphyromonas gingivalis-treated group.
