Biochanin A induces anticancer effects in SK‑Mel‑28 human malignant melanoma cells via induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion and modulation of NF‑κB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Jiaming Sun
Peng Xiao
Jia Yang
Bowen Zheng
Journal: Oncology Letters (2017)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Biochanin A; apoptosis; cytotoxicity; malignant melanoma; propidium iodide.
Affiliations: Department of Plastic Surgery, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China, Department of Dermatology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, P.R. China, Institute of Dermatology and Venereology of Yunnan Province, Kunming University, Kunming, Yunnan 650214, P.R. China

Abstract:  The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of Biochanin A in SK-Mel-28 human malignant melanoma cells. An MTT assay was used to study the cytotoxic effects of Biochanin A. In vitro wound healing and invasion assays were used to investigate the effects on cell migration and invasion. Fluorescence microscopy using acridine orange/propidium iodide was used to study effects on cell morphology and apoptosis. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis. The results indicated that Biochanin A significantly inhibited the growth of SK-Mel-28 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. Treatment of the cells with Biochanin A induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. Additionally, Biochanin A led to inhibition of cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner and upregulated the expression of key proteins in the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Image concerns in this paper were found during a systematic search of papers in Spandidos journals for possible duplicated images. Figure 2B. Pink boxes: The top left part of this panel appears to show the same group of cells two times. ![file] , 
 Figure 3. The top left corner of panels A, C, and D, and possibly that of panel C appear to show repetitive features. Boxes of the same color highlight areas that look similar to each other. ![file] , 
 Figure 4, in what appears to be a homage to Monet s Nymphu00e9as series of paintings, appears to contain several repetitive waterlilies, both between and within panels. Boxes of the same color highlight areas that look similar to each other. ![file] , 
 #2 Fig 3 again: ![] Compare with Figure 8 from [Chen et al (2019)] .  Inhibition of cell invasion in A375 human malignant melanoma cells. The cells were treated with 0 (A), 50 (B), 150 (C) and 300 (D) u00b5M doses of methylwogonin for 48 h . ![] , 
 #1 *[left]* Fig 2 again. *[right]* Figure 5 from [Xu et al (2019)] .  Totarol led to inhibition of migration in SGC-7901 human gastric cancer cells. Cells were treated with 0 (B), 40 (C), 100 (D) and 400 (E) u00b5M dose of totarol. A shows a simulated wound prepared by scratching with a micropipette tip. ![file] The glitched areas at the upper left corner of each panel (presumably from filing off the original ID) are different in the two versions. It may be that they are both copied from an unknown original. , 
 Retracted [12 April 2021] .  Following the publication of the above paper, a concerned reader drew to the Editor s attention that several figures (specifically, Figs. 2, 3 and 4) contained apparent anomalies, including repeated patternings of data within the same figure panels.  After having conducted an independent investigation in the Editorial Office, the Editor of Oncology Letters has determined that this paper should be retracted from the Journal on account of a lack of confidence concerning the originality and the authenticity of the data. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office never received any reply. The Editor regrets any inconvenience that has been caused to the readership of the Journal. ,