Retracted : Activation of the Nrf2‐ARE Signaling Pathway Prevents Hyperphosphatemia‐Induced Vascular Calcification by Inducing Autophagy in Renal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Li Yao
Zi-Tong Sheng
Tian-Hua Xu
Bin-Yao Tian
Jian Wang
Journal: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (2017)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: AUTOPHAGY; HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA-INDUCED VASCULAR CALCIFICATION; Nrf2-ARE SIGNALING PATHWAY; VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL.
Affiliations: Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China.

Abstract:  This study investigates the effect of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling pathway in vascular calcification (VC) via inducing Autophagy in renal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMCs were assigned into six experimental groups: the normal control, high phosphorus, si-negative control (si-NC), Nrf2-siRNA, over-expressed Nrf2, and negative control (NC) groups. RT-PCR was applied to detect the mRNA expressions of the desired Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway-related genes (Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, γ-GCS). The protein products of these genes: apoptosis-related genes (LC3I and LC3II), osteogenic marker proetins (Runt-related transcription factor 2) Runx2 and BMP2 were all detected by Western blotting. Autophagosomes in VSMCs were observed under a transmission electron microscope. We discovered an increased calcium ion concentration and upregulated Runx2, BMP2, Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GCS, NQO-1, and LC3II/LC3I expressions in the high phosphorous, si-NC and Nrf2-siRNA, and NC groups, compared with the normal control group. Compared to the high phosphorus and si-NC groups, higher levels of Runx2 and BMP2 but decreased Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GCS, NQO-1, and LC3II/LC3I expressions were detected in the Nrf2-siRNA group. The high phosphorus, si-NC and over-expressed Nrf2 experimental groups all had increased Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, γ-GCS, and LC3II/LC3I expressions as well as high numbers of autophagosomes compared with the normal control group. Finally, we detected a lower amount of autophagosomes presence and Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1 γ-GCS, and LC3II/LC3 protein expression of Nrf2-siRNA group than that of the high phosphorus and si-NC groups. Activation of Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway may prevent hyperphosphatemia-induced VC by inducing autophagy in VSMCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4708-4715, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Clockwise from upper left: Figs 3A,  protein bands of Runx2 and BMP2 in the five groups ; 4B,  protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, u03b3-GCS and NQO-1 detected by western blotting among five groups ; 5C,  protein bands and histogram of LC3II LC3I protein expressions detected by western blotting among five groups . ![file] The protein blobs seem to come from the same restricted gamut shown in this montage. ![] , 
 Retracted [30 June 2021] . --------------------------------------- The above article, published online on 17 May 2017 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. ,