VCAM-1-targeted and PPARδ-agonist-loaded nanomicelles enhanced suppressing effects on apoptosis and migration of oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wen Xu
Gang Wei
Fuxiang Liu
Liangang Hao
Xueli Li
Shoutian Lv
Qian Peng
Journal: Bioscience Reports (2020)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Nano micelles; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ; Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; Vascular smooth muscle cell.
Affiliations: Department of Vascular Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, 317 Nanyi Road, Dongying District, Dongying City 257091, Shandong Province, China.

Abstract:  Purpose: Nanomicelles (NMs) have been widely used for various biomedical applications due to its unique physiochemical properties. The present study aims to investigate the effects of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)-targeted and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) agonist (GW0742)-loaded NMs on apoptosis and migration in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs). Methods: The GW0742-loaded NMs (M-GW) and VCAM-1-targeted NMs loaded with GW0742 (TM-GW) were prepared, and then the morphologies and the size distribution of M-GM and TM-GM were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. In vitro drug release assay of M-GM and TM-GM were performed as well. Next, HAVSMCs were cultured in medium containing ox-LDL to mimic atherosclerotic environment, and the effects of free GW0742, M-GM and TM-GM on endocytosis, cell migration and apoptosis, as well as the expression of VCAM-1, and proteins associated with migration and apoptosis were measured in HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL. Results: M-GM and TM-GM were successfully prepared. VCAM-1 was overexpressed in HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL, and TM-GM had a strong targeting ability to HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL compared with M-GM. In addition, compared with free GW0742, both M-GM and TM-GM significantly diminished cell apoptosis and migration in HAVSMCs treated with ox-LDL. Conclusions: TM-GM had a superior suppressing effect on apoptosis and migration of ox-LDL-induced HAVSMCs. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 It appears that the two DAPI images in Figure 3 are reversed. *** ![file] , 
 ![file] Thank you for your reminding. The picture above is the correct version. , 
 #2 I thank the authors for the reply. The corrected figure is appreciated. As you may be aware, this journal is now investigating a number of papers that seem to have problems but somehow passed peer review; a copy of the announcement shows below. My understanding is that they are now looking into each of the papers flagged on PubPeer in detail. To address these general concerns, could the authors provide uncropped original scans of the Western blot in Figure 5C? The overall appearance of this figure is similar to others being reviewed and it would be helpful if the authors could reassure readers that after this simple correction that this paper should be excluded from the journalu2019s investigation. The original scan should put this matter to rest. Many thanks. *** **Important notice** Portland Press and the Editorial Board of Bioscience Reports has been made aware of potential issues surrounding the scientific validity of some articles published in the Journal. In accordance with COPE guidelines, we are investigating these as a priority and are contacting the authors of the affected articles to obtain additional data and information that will inform our ongoing investigation. We will provide updates on our investigation and take appropriate action on the affected papers as soon as possible. All papers at Bioscience Reports are peer reviewed with an Associate Editor and two independent reviewers assessing the paper. Additional measures have immediately been put in place during the editorial process to carry out additional checks on papers. Please be assured that Portland Press are doing all that they can to resolve these issues and correct the scientific record as soon as possible. https: portlandpress.com bioscirep **** , 
 June 24, 2020 The Editorial Office has been made aware of potential issues surrounding the scientific validity of this paper, hence has issued an expression of concern to notify readers whilst the Editorial Office investigates. ,