Fig. 1

Astaxanthin significantly ameliorated cobalt-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. a The viability of MG-63 cells decreased as the concentration of Co²⁺ increases from 10 μM to 400 μM. (**P < 0.01 vs 0 μM) b) ASX significantly inhibited the cobalt cytotoxicity in the cell viability. [**P < 0.01 vs Con; ^## P < 0.01 vs Co (200)] c) FACS analysis showed that ASX (20 nM) significantly inhibited the cell apoptosis induced by Co²⁺exposure. d Western blot assay demonstrated that ASX (20 nM) significantly regulated related proteins related to apoptosis: compared to Co²⁺-exposed group, ASX-treated group exhibited significantly increased bcl-2 expression, decreased caspase-3 and bax expression. (1, vehicle-treated MG-63 cells; 2, Co²⁺-exposed cells; 3, Co²⁺-exposed cells treated by ASX (1 nM); 4, Co²⁺-exposed cells treated by ASX (5 nM); 5, Co²⁺-exposed cells treated by ASX (10 nM); 6, Co²⁺-exposed cells treated by ASX (20 nM); **P < 0.01 vs 1; ^## P < 0.01 vs 2)