Fig. 3

hBMSCs enhanced the growth of DLBCL by secreting IL-6 in vivo. SU-DHL-4 cells were injected subcutaneously into the right flanks of nude mice (BALB/c, n = 24). After the xenograft mouse models were established, hBMSCs (MSCs group, n = 8), IL-6 (IL-6 group, n = 8) or PBS (Control group, n = 8) were injected around the tumors. a: The xenograft mice were killed and the tumor tissues were removed at 28 days after hBMSC, IL-6, or PBS injection. b: Tumor volume, (c): relative expression of IL-6 mRNA and (d): IL-6 protein expression were measured and detected in each group. e: Representative IHC staining images showing various intensities of IL-6 expression in the intercellular spaces of tumor cells or tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (× 400) in each group. Error bars represent SD. Significance was determined using one-way ANOVA. (*P < 0.05; **P < 0.01)