Modulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadro's Limit Combats Skin Papilloma in Mice
Authors: Philippe Belon
Naoual Boujedaini
Saili Paul
Anisur Rahman Khuda-Bukhsh
Soumya Sundar Bhattacharyya
Suman Dutta
Journal: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2011)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: homeopathy; ultra-high diluted drugs; Secale cornutum 30C; signal proteins; skin papilloma
Affiliations: Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India., Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India, Boiron Laboratory, Lyon, France

Abstract:  In homeopathy, ability of ultra-high diluted drugs at or above potency 12C (diluted beyond Avogadro's limit) in ameliorating/curing various diseases is often questioned, particularly because the mechanism of action is not precisely known. We tested the hypothesis if suitable modulations of signal proteins could be one of the possible pathways of action of a highly diluted homeopathic drug, Secale cornutum 30C (diluted 10(60) times; Sec cor 30). It could successfully combat DMBA + croton oil-induced skin papilloma in mice as evidenced by histological, cytogenetical, immunofluorescence, ELISA and immunoblot findings. Critical analysis of several signal proteins like AhR, PCNA, Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NF-Œ∫B and IL-6 and of pro-apoptotic proteins like cytochrome c, Bax, Bad, Apaf, caspase-3 and -9 revealed that Sec cor 30 suitably modulated their expression levels along with amelioration of skin papilloma. FACS data also suggested an increase of cell population at S and G2 phases and decrease in sub-G1 and G1 phages in carcinogen-treated drug-unfed mice, but these were found to be near normal in the Sec cor 30-fed mice. There was reduction in genotoxic and DNA damages in bone marrow cells of Sec Cor 30-fed mice, as revealed from cytogenetic and Comet assays. Changes in histological features of skin papilloma were noted. Immunofluorescence studies of AhR and PCNA also suggested reduced expression of these proteins in Sec cor 30-fed mice, thereby showing its anti-cancer potentials against skin papilloma. Furthermore, this study also supports the hypothesis that potentized homeopathic drugs act at gene regulatory level. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 I have concerns about image overlap in Figure 3(d), 3(e) and 3(f). Largest area of possible overlap in red boxes.Some features in 3(e) and 3(f) are missing in 3(d) - but not all, as seen in yellow and green boxes, showing common features in 3(d) and 3(f). Caption reads:  Figure 3: Histology of skin stained with Haematoxylin Eosin: (a) normal, (b) DMBA + croton oil+ alcohol, (c) DMBA + croton oil + Seccor 30-fed; immunofluorescence expression of AhR protein: (d) normal, (e) DMBA + croton oil + alcohol, (f) DMBA + croton oil+ Sec cor30-fed; and PCNA protein localization: (g) normal, (h) DMBA + croton oil+ alcohol, (i) DMBA + croton oil + Sec cor 30-fed; (j and k) represent proportion of average fluorescence intensity of AhR and PCNA protein in different groups. u2217u2217P .01 Apologies if I ve misunderstood something. I did not check elsewhere in this paper. Top: brightness enhanced showing concerns; Bottom: original Figure. ***  ***  , 
 3(f) superimposed on 3(d) after black white reversal. White areas are present in (f) but not in (d). Everything else cancels out.  , 
 Fig 3a and 3b, and then 3a black white reversed and superimposed on 3b to show the degree of cancellation (with lighter or darker areas where one has details absent from the other)   , 
 there are also duplicated areas in figure 3 a and b  , 
 #2, #3 and #4: I appreciate your additional efforts and remarks. I would be appreciated if one or more of the multiple authors who are copied here would also comment on these concerns. , 
 2021 retraction. https: www.hindawi.com journals ecam 2021 2108674 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has retracted the article titled u201cModulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadrou2019s Limit Combats Skin Papilloma in Miceu201d [1], due to concerns with the figures as originally raised on PubPeer [2]. Overlap was identified between Figures 3(d), 3(e), and 3(f) and between Figures 3(a) and 3(b). The authors explained that some overlapping features are to be expected and also provided alternative images. Due to the high level of overlap, this explanation was not determined to be satisfactory and the article is therefore being retracted with the agreement of the editorial board. The authors do not agree to the retraction. References A. R. Khuda-Bukhsh, S. S. Bhattacharyya, S. Paul, S. Dutta, N. Boujedaini, and P. Belon, u201cModulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadrou2019s Limit Combats Skin Papilloma in Mice,u201d Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2011, Article ID 286320, 12 pages, 2011. Modulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadro s Limit Combats Skin Papilloma in Mice, PubPeer, 2020, https: pubpeer.com publications C4B9CF38036F802C1262C32542EF34. ,