Retracted : Effects of S100A12 gene silencing on serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats through the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Yong-Jian Wang
Dong-Mei Wu
Xin-Rui Han
Xin Wen
Jun Lu
Shao-Hua Fan
Zi-Feng Zhang
Yuan-Lin Zheng
Journal: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (2018)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: ERK signaling pathway; S100A12; anti-inflammatory cytokines; gene silencing; pro-inflammatory cytokines
Affiliations: Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, P.R. China.

Abstract:  We explored the effect of S100A12 gene on serum levels of anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokines in septic rats by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. A total of 180 specific pathogen-free (SPF) rats were purchased to establish cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Rats were assigned into the sham, model, empty vector, S100A12 siRNA, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and S100A12 siRNA + EGF groups. The expressions of S100A12, ERK-1, ERK-2, cPLA2, and NF-κB in liver tissues of rats among six groups were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to measure correlations. Cell apoptosis of rats among six groups was detected by Tunel staining. The expressions of S100A12, ERK-1, ERK-2, cPLA2, and NF-κB decreased in the S100A12 siRNA group while increased in the EGF group compared with the model group. S100A12 mRNA expression was positively correlated with mRNA expressions of related genes in the ERK signaling pathway (ERK-1, ERK-2, cPLA2, and NF-κB) in the model and empty vector groups. Expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PCT, and CRP in the EGF group were higher than those in the model group, but were lower than those in the S100A12 siRNA group. Compared with the model group, cell apoptosis decreased in the S100A12 siRNA group but that increased in the EGF group. We demonstrates that S100A12 gene silencing decreases serum levels of anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokines in septic rats by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 4A.  Detections of protein expressions of S100A12, ERK-1, ERK-2, cPLA2, and NF-u03baB in liver tissues of rats among six groups by western blotting. A, Protein bands of S100A12, ERK-1, ERK-2, cPLA2, and NF-u03baB in liver tissues of rats among six groups . Some protein blobs appear to repeat. The loading control with its  bubble and  eye blobs is familiar. ![file] , 
 #1 ![file] ![file] I am Xin Wen, the first author of the paper. Thank you for your interest in our work. I went over our paper carefully. As you mentioned, each pair of bands with a square frame of the same color looked similar. From the details in the enlargement of this images, they are not the same. Despite these may not be perfect images, I think that some degree of similarity and white noise points does not affect the conclusion of the experiment. In the future experiments, the experimental conditions needed to be further optimized to improve the picture quality. Thanks for your comments. , 
 #1 I agree with most of these concerns. *** Inverse image, contrast enhanced: ![file] , 
 #2 As an author of the paper, you are not confined to the limited resolution available in the PDF. Why not just upload high-resolution versions of the gels? , 
 Retracted [30 June 2021] . ---------------------------- The above article, published online on 03 January 2018 in Wiley Online Library has been retracted by agreement between the the journal s Editor in Chief, Prof. Dr. Christian Behl, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation based on allegations raised by a third party. A detailed investigation revealed that several image elements of the experimental data were published elsewhere in a different scientific context. Thus, the editors consider the conclusions of this article to be invalid. , 
 Assessed here, as part of the first of 10 broad investigations: https: www.nsfc.gov.cn publish portal0 tab442 info85495.htm **Decisions on handling scientific research misconduct cases investigated and dealt with in 2022 (first batch)** Date 2022-05-13 Source: u3000 Author: u3000 u3010 Large, Middle and Small u3011 u3010Printu3011 u3010Closeu3011 u3000u3000The National Natural Science Foundation of China resolutely implements the spirit of the  Several Opinions on Further Strengthening the Construction of Scientific Research Integrity and  Opinions on Further Promoting the Spirit of Scientists and Strengthening the Construction of Style and Study Style by the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council. Horizontal science and technology are self-reliant and self-reliant, continue to carry out scientific research integrity construction, and seriously investigate and deal with scientific research misconduct involving the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China conducts investigations, verifications and comprehensive judgments on the accepted scientific research integrity cases, in accordance with the Regulations of the National Natural Science Foundation of ) and  Measures for Investigation and Handling of Scientific Research Misconduct in National Natural Science Foundation of China and other regulations and systems to propose handling suggestions. After deliberation at the second executive meeting of the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2022, it was decided to deal with the relevant parties involved. The 10 handling decisions (online release version) that have been criticized and criticized are hereby announced. -------------------------------- About the existence of papers published on Wu Dongmei, Zheng Yuanlin, Lu Jun, etc. - Falsification of pictures or data, fabrication of research process, use of others signatures without consent, and false information in project final reports - processing decision - National Science and Technology Financial Supervisory Office [2022] No. 1 u3000u3000The Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China launched an investigation into several papers of Jiangsu Normal University, including Wu Dongmei, Zheng Yuanlin, and Jun Jun, for suspected academic misconduct. The papers involved are as follows: ... Paper 32:  Xin Wen # , Xin-Rui Han # , Yong-Jian Wang # , Shao-Hua Fan, Zi-Feng Zhang, Dong-Mei Wu*, Jun Lu*, Yuan-Lin Zheng*. **Effects of S100A12 gene silencing on serum levels of anti-inflammatory pro-inflammatory cytokines in septic rats through the ERK signaling pathway**. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2018, 119(5):4038-4049.u201d (Annotation Fund Nos. 81271225, 31201039, 81171012, 30950031 , 81571055, 81400902) ... u3000u3000According to the investigation of the supporting unit, the above 35 papers involved all have the problem of improper use of pictures or data fraud, and the pictures or data in question are all provided by third-party companies. Among the 35 papers involved, 34 (except paper 21) still have the problem of using others signatures without consent, and papers 4, 5, 9, 12, 30, and 34 also have the problem of fabricating the research process. Wu Dongmei is the author of the above 35 papers involved, of which 12 papers (papers 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 25, 26, 30, 35) are the first author and 22 papers (Paper 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34) Corresponding author, They should be primarily responsible for the objective results of falsifying pictures or data, using others signatures without consent, and fabricating research processes; Zheng Yuanlin and Lu Jun, as the co-corresponding authors of the 35 papers involved, were negligent in reviewing and took secondary responsibility. In addition, Wu Dongmei included 4 papers involved (papers 21, 24, 28, 29) in the final report of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81400902), and Zheng Yuanlin included 9 papers involved (papers 6, 8, 10, 13, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29) included in the final report of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81571055), and should be responsible for the objective results of false information in the final report. u3000u3000After deliberation at the 12th meeting of the Fifth Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Life Medicine Professional Committee) and the approval of the second executive meeting of the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2022, it was decided to follow the thirty-fifth National Natural Science Foundation of China Regulations. Article 4, Article 17, Items 3, 4, and 9 of  Measures for Handling Misconduct in Science Fund Work by the Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (for Trial Implementation) , revocation of Wu Dongmei s National Natural Science Foundation of Molecular mechanism of TRPV4-mediated domoic acid treatment-induced cognitive deficits in mice (Grant No. 81400902), recovering the allocated funds, permanently disqualifying Wu Dongmei from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (since January 18, 2022), Give Wu Dongmei a circular of criticism; decide to follow Article 35, item 4 of the  National Natural Science Foundation of China Regulations , and refer to  The National Natural Science Foundation of China Supervision Committee s Handling of Misconduct in Science Fund Work (Trial) Tenth Items 3 and 4 of seven articles, the Zheng Yuanlin National Natural Science Foundation of China project  The Mechanism of HDAC6 Activating HMGB1 RAGE Signaling Axis to Mediate Cognitive Defects in Type 2 Diabetic Mice (Approval No. 81571055), recover the allocated funds, cancel Zheng Yuanlin will be eligible to apply for the National Natural Science Foundation of China for 5 years (January 18, 2022 to January 17, 2027), and will give Zheng Yuanlin a notice of criticism; it is decided to refer to the  National Natural Science Foundation of China Supervision Committee on misconduct in the work of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Items 3 and 4 of Article 17 of the Measures (for Trial Implementation), the Army s National Natural Science Foundation of China project application qualification will be cancelled for 5 years (January 18, 2022 to January 17, 2027), and the Army will be criticized in a circular. - National Natural Science Foundation of China - March 30, 2022 ,