Fig. 2

Protection of astaxanthin against cobalt cytotoxicity was related to HO-1 expression and JNK phosphorylation. a Compared to control, Co²⁺exposure significantly elevated the expression of HO-1, which was reduced by ASX pretreatment as the concentration rises. (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) b) Compared to Co²⁺-exposed group, the ASX pretreatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK. (**P < 0.05 vs Co)