Physcion 8-O-β-Glucopyranoside Alleviates Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Injury by Inducing Autophagy Through AMPK/SIRT1 Signaling
Authors: Guotian Yin
Haiyan Sun
Xiuli Yang
Guoan Zhao
Journal: Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology (2019)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: Vascular endothelial cell dysfunction; atherosclerosis; Physcion 8-O-β-glucopyranoside; PG; oxidized low-density lipoprotein
Affiliations: Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China., Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.

Abstract:  Aim: Vascular endothelial cell dysfunction plays a crucial role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Physcion 8-O-β-glucopyranoside (PG), an anthraquinone extracted from Polygonum cuspidatum, has a number of pharmacological functions. The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective effects of PG against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in VECs. Methods and materials: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as the in vitro model. Cell viability and apoptosis were, respectively, assessed by CCK-8 assay and Annexin-V/PI staining. Formation of autophagosomes was visualized by acridine orange staining, and the autophagy flux was tracked after infecting the cells with the mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus. The expression levels of various apoptosis and autophagy-associated marker proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Pretreatment with PG protected the HUVECs from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis. In addition, PG promoted autophagy in HUVECs, which was responsible for its antiapoptotic effects. Finally, activation of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling was upstream of PG-induced autophagy. Conclusions: PG has potential pharmacological effects against oxidative damage-induced HUVEC injury through inducing AMPK/SIRT1-mediated autophagy. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Another example of reused and doctored FACS blots. I just picked a few examples. Fun fact: vehicle control in all FACS analyzes is the same despite different experiments and conditions: ![file] ![file] ![file] , 
 Similar patterns can also be found in Cancer Sci. 2018 May;109(5):1369-1381. doi: 10.1111 cas.13575 Figure 7: ![file] ![file] , 
 #2 Another sighting. Fig 1D of [Zou et al (2018)] ,  Euxanthone inhibits glycolysis and triggers mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by targeting hexokinase 2 in epithelial ovarian cancer . ![file] , 
 More sightings. Fig 6C from [Han et al (2018)] . ![file] Fig 1C and 3D from [Wang et al (2017)] . ![file] ![file] , 
 Figs 2B, 5B, 5D from [Shen et al (2019)] : ![] , 
 Fig 1B from [Du et al (2019)] . ![] , 
 Another sighting! [Pan et al (2018)] . ![] , 
 Fig 4(d), [Han et al (2019)] : ![] , 
 5A, [Liu et al (2018)] . ![file] , 
 Fig 3A, C from [Li et al (2019)] . ![file] , 
 Fig 4B, E from [Wang et al (2019)] . ![file] , 
 2020 retraction. https: journals.lww.com cardiovascularpharm Citation 2020 05000 _Retracted__Physcion8_O___Glucopyranoside.15.aspx , 
 #12  Retracted due to manipulated figures . ![file] , 
 Xinxiang Medical College [reported on an investigation on 25 November 2021] : ----------------------- In order to strengthen the construction of scientific research integrity, severely punish violations, and create a favorable environment for scientific and technological innovation, the relevant paper issues recently investigated and dealt with by this unit are hereby notified as follows. 5. Yang Xiuli of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College is suspected of tampering with research data and pictures. After investigation, Zhao Guoan of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College is the corresponding author and Yang Xiuli of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College is the first author of the paper  Physcion 8-O-u03b2-glucopyranoside alleviates oxysomed low-density lipoprotein-induced human umbilical vein. endothelial cells injury by inducing autophagy via AMPK SIRT1 signaling , Yang Xiuli tampered with research data and pictures without authorization. In accordance with the  Rules for Investigation and Handling of Scientific Research Integrity Cases (Trial) and  Xinxiang Medical College s Code of Conduct for Scientific Research and Measures for Handling Academic Misconduct , the following handling opinions are made to Yang Xiuli: - ( 1 ) Conduct a scientific research integrity admonition talk to them; - ( 2 ) Write a written inspection and do a public review in the department; - ( 3 ) Cancellation of the qualifications for the first evaluation within two years; - ( 4 ) Cancellation of professional and technical position promotion qualifications within two years; - ( 5 ) Cancellation of the qualifications for applying for or applying for scientific and technological plan projects (special projects, funds, etc.), scientific and technological awards, and scientific and technological talents within two years; - ( 6 ) Talk to the principal person in charge of the college where the author of the paper involved is located. The other authors of Xinxiang Medical College are dealt with as follows: - ( 1 ) Conduct scientific research integrity admonition talks; - ( 2 ) In-depth study of national and school documents on scientific research integrity, strict control of academic paper signatures, and commitment to avoid such things from happening again. ,