Fig. 5

The role of AMPK activation by FX in autophagy induction. (a) Western blot analysis for the phosphorylated level of mTOR (Ser2448) and ULK1 (Ser555) in HepG2 cells treated with 30 μM FX for indicated time period. Results represent the mean ± S.D. for four separate experiments. * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001. (b) The effect of FX to restore ΔΨm was revered by 3-MA and Baf-A1. After 3-MA and Baf-A1 treatment (5 μM for 1 h, respectively), cells were incubated with FX for 1 h, being followed by the addition of AA (for 12 h) + iron (1 h). Data represent the mean ± S.D. for three replicates. ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001