PBMCs were isolated from blood collected at each timepoint. Day 28 collections were missing for the 15 mg cohort due to patient refusing blood draw (1), and due to missed visit (1). mRNA was quantified using Quantigene Plex 2.0 technology according to manufacturer’s protocol (Affymetrix Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) and as previously described.13 (link) Probe sets were designed against the human genome for analysis of Nrf2 target genes; a modified version of Panel 11834 (Affymetrix) was used. Genes were normalized to the mean expression of housekeeping genes RPL13A (60S ribosomal protein L13a) and peptidyl-prolyl cistrans isomerase B.
Peripheral blood cells were quantified by automated cell counter using flow cytometry for white blood cell differential (Sysmex, XN9000).