MiR-20a regulates fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation and apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: C-X Lu
W-Z Lu
S-B Wei
Z-X Long
J-L Lu
J-Q Liang
X-J Wei
X-W Li
Journal: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (2017)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: STAT3; miR-20a; synovial tissue; rheumatoid arthritis; inflammation
Affiliations: Department of Orthopedics, Baise People's Hospital, Baise, Guangxi Province, China. .

Abstract:  Objective: STAT3 expression is elevated in the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MiR-20a plays a role in mediating synovial inflammation in RA. Bioinformatics analysis has identified a binding site between miR-20 and the 3'-UTR of STAT3 mRNA. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-20a in the regulation of STAT3 expression and synovial cell proliferation as well as apoptosis. Patients and methods: Synovial tissues were collected from RA patients and osteoarthritis (OA) patients to measure miR-20a, STAT3, p-STAT3, and Ki-67 expressions. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with IL-17 (10 ng/ml) and then Ki-67 expression and cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR-20a and STAT3 was assessed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. FLS cells were divided into five groups: miR-NC, miR-20a mimic, si-NC, si-STAT3, and miR-20a mimic + si-STAT3 groups. Results: In RA patients, significantly lower MiR-20a expression, and substantially higher STAT3, p-STAT3, and Ki-67 expression were found in the synovial tissues compared with those in OA patients. IL-17A treatment markedly promoted FLS cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, reduced miR-20a expression, as well as upregulated levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, and Bcl-2. MiR-20a played a regulatory function on the expression of STAT3. MiR-20a mimic and/or si-STAT3 transfection apparently downregulated STAT3, p-STAT3, and Bcl-2 expression, attenuated IL-17A-induced cell proliferation promotive and enhanced cell apoptosis in FLS cells. Conclusions: The expression of miR-20a was reduced in synovial tissue of RA patients with the increased level of STAT3. Downregulation of miR-20a promoted the expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, and Bcl-2, facilitated FLS cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis and, thereby, played a critical role in RA. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 I have concerns about the western blots shown in this paper (figures 1D, 2D and 3A). The background color is equal for all blots and the bands are extremely neat and evenly shaped. I look forward to your thoughts!  , 
 I agree with #1. These images do not look like any Western blot I have seen before (and I have seen 50,000+ of them by now). They almost look like they were painted onto a grey background. Could the authors please show the original, uncropped blots? , 
 In addition, a concern about Figure 3B. Several areas in panels  miR-NC and  si-NC look unexpectedly similar to each other, while the B2 area looks different. I have marked those areas with boxes of the same color. Could the authors please explain what happened here?  , 
 I believe that this is an example of what has elsewhere been labeled as  Papermill #2 , charcterised by stylised WBs reminiscent of the blobs in a Miro painting,  ...and by a small repertoire of recurring FACS plots, slightly modified by artisanal stippling on each of their occurrences.  https: forbetterscience.com 2020 02 27 dark-satanic-papermills , 
 Some time in the last week or so, the journal wished the paper into the cornfield: https: www.europeanreview.org article 22253 Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, u201cMiR-20a regulates fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation and apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis, by X.-J. Wei, X.-W. Li, J.-L. Lu, Z.-X. Long, J.-Q. Liang, S.-B. Wei, C.-X. Lu, W.-Z. Lu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21 (17): 3886-3893u2013PMID: 28975975u201d has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. , 
 If I may relay a comment from *[Tulipa fosteriana] * (followed by Google Translation): ------------------------------------------ An August 19, 2021 announcement by  National Health Commission of the People s Republic of China reported the results of investigation of 10 papers flagged on Pubpeer, together with disciplinary actions against the authors. The current paper is the #8 case in the list and the investigation concluded that this paper was purchased from a papermill. Here is a screenshot:  ---------------------------------------- 8. The paper  MiR-20a regulates fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation and apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis  published by Lu Wenzhong as the corresponding author and Wei Xijiang as the first author , Baise People s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , is the first author Wei Xijiang to contact the first author alone . The third-party intermediary agency is mainly responsible for academic misconduct such as buying and selling papers . Baise City People s Hospital will deal with the relevant responsible personnel as follows:u2002u2002u2002u2002u2002 1, the first author Wei Xi Jiang : ordered its revocation of the paper; ordered its return has already received papers reward; cancel 2017, 2018 medical ethics evaluation points; ordered it to make a detailed written explanation and review; recommended the withdrawal of its Deputy High professional and technical qualifications obtained in year of 2018; five years shall not declare research projects, research funding, awards, honors, job title and other levels. 2. For Lu Wenzhong (corresponding author), Li Xinwu (second author) , Lu Jili (third author) , Liang Junqing (fifth author) : cancel the bonus points for the evaluation of medical ethics and medical style in 2017 and 2018; give warnings and scientific research integrity admonishing conversation, press improper signature treatment, a year not to declare all levels of scientific research projects, research funding, awards, honors, titles and other duties . 3 , for Weishang Bing (sixth Author) : given a warning and research integrity admonishing conversation, press improper signature treatment, a year not to declare all levels of scientific research projects, research funding, awards, honors, titles and other duties . (Notification link: http: www.gxbssyy.com news note 4770.html )u2002 ,