Figure 3

HMGCR mRNA levels in vitro. The effect of testosterone enanthate on HMGCR mRNA levels in HepG2 cells was determined at different time points. Cells were incubated with testosterone enanthate or vehicle (C = control set as 1) and total RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed and subjected to real-time PCR. Measurements were performed in triplicates and data are presented as means ± SD (N = 4). There was a significant increase in HMGCR mRNA expression 2 hours after testosterone exposure (p < 0.001; Mann Whitney test), whereas after 24 hours the levels was significant lower (p = 0.047) as compared to the controls.