1,25(OH)D improves blood lipid metabolism, liver function, and atherosclerosis by constraining the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in rats with hyperlipidemia
Authors: Yan Bai
Tingting Huang
Jian Li
Maimaiti Reziwanguli
Yongliang Cui
Yanping Yin
Chunpeng Lu
Lifu Miao
Lili Wang
Journal: Cell Cycle (2019)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: 1; 25(OH)D; TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway; lipid metabolism.
Affiliations: Heart Center, First Hospital of Tsinghua University , Beijing , China.

Abstract:  1,25(OH)2D3 has already been reported to function in some diseases. However, its role in hyperlipidemia (HLP) remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on HLP rats. Rat models were established by high-fat diet feeding, perfusion of different doses of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and injection of TGF-β1 siRNA. Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, and erythrocyte aggregation index were detected, together with levels of biochemical indexes, 6-keto-PGF1α, and TXB2 in serum. Levels of oxidative stress indexes and inflammatory factors in serum and liver tissues were determined. TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in serum, liver tissues, and aorta was detected. 1,25(OH)2D3 lowered HLP-induced rise of whole blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation index, plasma viscosity, and hematocrit, TC, TG, LDL-C, apoB, ALT, AST, TXB2, MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, and increased HLP-induced decrease of HDL-C, apoAI, 6-keto-PGF1α, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC. TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in serum, liver tissue, and aorta of 1,25(OH)2D3-treated rats reduced. High 1,25(OH)2D3 dose and inhibited TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway alleviated lipid metabolism, liver function, and atherosclerotic injury in HLP rats. Our study found that 1,25(OH)2D3 improves blood lipid metabolism, liver function, and atherosclerosis injury by constraining the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in rats with HLP. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 This is one of three papers by the research group that made contradictory claims regarding the materials used: 1. Zamanabadi, S.N., Zareei, S.A., Shoaei, P. and Ameri, F., 2019. Ambient-cured alkali-activated slag paste incorporating micro-silica as repair material: Effects of alkali activator solution on physical and mechanical properties. Construction and Building Materials, 229, p.116911. 2. Zareei, S.A., Ameri, F., Shoaei, P. and Bahrami, N., 2019. Recycled ceramic waste high strength concrete containing wollastonite particles and micro-silica: a comprehensive experimental study. Construction and Building Materials, 201, pp.11-32. 3. Ameri, F., Shoaei, P., Bahrami, N., Vaezi, M. and Ozbakkaloglu, T., 2019. Optimum rice husk ash content and bacterial concentration in self-compacting concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 222, pp.796-813. The SEM images and XRD spectra provided for the micro-silica and cement in these papers showed materials that were identical (down to the signal noise). However, the reported chemical composition varied between the papers. See image below. ![file] , 
 The left image in fig. 6 is magnified 15 times bigger (from 200x to 3000x) and they don t seem to be for the same sample. ![file] , 
 In the XRD below of the micro-silica, it is not clear what the difference is between  Silicon Oxide and  Quartz. It is also not clear why the would-be peeks of these phases are identified for an X-ray amorphous material, which clearly exhibits only a single, broad band. ![file] ,