IO-induced hepatic inflammation is independent of macrophages. NOD/SCID mice (N = 6) were fed a standard diet and subjected to i.p. injection of 200 mg/kg (IO) dextran-iron twice per week. Mice were sacrificed, and liver tissues were harvested at week 4. (A) Prussian blue staining showed heavy iron accumulation. Original magnification ×400. (B) Total RNAs were subjected to qRT-PCR assays. (C) H&E and immunofluorescent staining against CD68 showed no macrophage infiltration in the liver. Blue represents DAPI stain. Original magnification ×400. (D) The inflammation scores of liver sections were determined. (E-F) Total RNA (E) and proteins (F) were subjected to qRT-PCR and western blot assays, respectively. (G) The level of mature miR-122 expression was determined. Data were normalized to the the PBS group and are presented as mean ± SEM. *P < .05; **P < .01 vs PBS.