Statistical Analysis

Graphs and histograms were prepared using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism software (version 8.4, San Diego, CA). SDS2.2.2 software was used to analyze Q-RT-PCR data to derive Ct values according to delta–delta Ct equations (Delta Ct) = Ct-gene – Ct-GAPDH. (ΔΔCt) = ΔCt-sample – ΔCt-control. Relative gene expression (indicated by fold change) is equal to 2^–ΔΔct.^7,56 Data are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Comparisons between groups were performed using one- or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); the Bonferroni method was used for post hoc comparisons (GraphPad Prism, version 8.4.2). Probability values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.