Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Transplantation Delays Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Rabbits
Authors: Chao Fu
Yuanjing Huang
Zhengguang Chen
Lie Yu
Chao Jiang
Jian Wang
Xiao Ma
Xiaojie Fu
Xiaofang Yu
Jing Yu
Caifeng Si
Kefei Cui
Jieru Wan
Suyun Hou
Journal: Molecular Neurobiology (2016)
Discipline: NEUROSCIENCE & BEHAVIOR
Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Bone marrow mononuclear cell; Inflammatory; Insulin-like growth factor; Oxidative stress.
Affiliations: Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. ., Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China., Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China., Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA., Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .

Abstract:  Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) can counteract oxidative stress and inhibit the inflammatory response in focal ischemic stroke models. However, the effect of BMMNC transplantation on carotid atherosclerosis needs to be determined. The carotid atherosclerotic plaque model was established in New Zealand White rabbits by balloon injury and 8 weeks of high-fat diet. Rabbits were randomized to receive an intravenous injection of autologous bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled BMMNCs or an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline. Plaques were evaluated for expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-oxidant proteins, and markers of cell death. BMMNCs migrated into atherosclerotic plaque on the first day after cell transplantation. BMMNC-treated rabbits had smaller plaques and more collagen deposition than did the vehicle-treated controls on day 28 (p &lt; 0.05). BMMNC treatment significantly increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase and the anti-oxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in plaques compared to vehicle treatment on day 7. BMMNC-treated rabbits also had lower levels of cleaved caspase-3 expression; lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1Œ≤, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase 9; and higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its receptor (p &lt; 0.05). Autologous BMMNC transplantation can suppress the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation and is associated with enhanced anti-oxidative effect, reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and cleaved caspase-3, and increased expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its receptor. BMMNC transplantation represents a novel approach for the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 2a appears to have two images which overlap. ***  , 
 There also seem to be two sets of images which overlap in Figure 4A, 4F, and 4G. In the case of 4A 4F (red boxes), the color is different. In the case of 4G (cyan boxes), the images are differently scaled and rotated. Difficult to understand how this all could occur merely as an error during figure assembly. ***  , 
 Similar issues in Figure 5B and 5G. ***  , 
 Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We have initiated an investigation into what happened here and this will include a re-examination of all the data in this study. Based on this, we will inform the journal editor and request the appropriate actions be taken to rectify these errors. , 
 Has backcrossing been performed? The line is segregating for retinal degeneration mutation rd1 according to JAX. , 
 Published: 10 March 2022  Following the publication of the original article the authors (sic) noticed errors in the published Figs. 2, 4 and 5. The original article has been updated.    , 
 Could the authors comment on the apparent reuse of control tissue across two papers? The other paper is discussed here: https: pubpeer.com publications F3E5381765723A129BEB2093A4C7B2 ***  , 
 In the newly corrected Figure 4G and 4I, there appears to be another set of images which overlap (red boxes), with differential cropping and scaling. These transformations are difficult to understand as an error during figure assembly. ***  , 
 Could the authors please confirm that the B-tubulin band marked in green was intentionally used in both Figure 6F and 7A? Also, the Mw label in 7A seems incorrect; it should also be 55 (purple). ***  ,