In vitro anti-proliferative effects of Zuojinwan on eight kinds of human cancer cell lines
Authors: Lina Xu
Kexin Liu
Yan Qi
Linlin Lv
Yanyan Zhao
Lingli Zheng
Jinyong Peng
Lianhong Yin
Xu Han
Youwei Xu
Journal: Cytotechnology (2014)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: Zuojinwan; Chinese medicinal formula; anti-cancer activities; apoptosis pathway; chemotherapy drug
Affiliations: College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, China.

Abstract:  Zuojinwan (ZJW), a famous Chinese medicinal formula, contains two medicinal herbs Coptis chinese Frach and Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth in the ratio of 6: 1. The inhibitory effects of ZJW on eight kinds of human cancer cell lines including SMMC-7721, BEL-7402, BEL-7404, HepG2, A549, NCI-H446, NCI-H460 and HCT- 116 cells were evaluated, and the possible mechanism was investigated. The growths of the eight kinds of cancer cells were inhibited by ZJW assessed through MTT assay. Flow cytometry assay revealed a sub-G1 peak with reduced DNA content was formed. The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase in ZJW-treated SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells, and in the S phase for NCI-H460 cells. Significant DNA damage was produced by ZJW assessed with single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. Morphological changes were also observed. Caspase-3 and -9 activities were increased following ZJW treatment. Western blot analysis showed that Bax and Bak protein levels were increased after ZJW treatment, while Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl protein levels were decreased. Our results suggest that ZJW has significant anti-cancer activities due to induction of mitochondria- dependent apoptosis pathway. Therefore, ZJW has the potential to be a novel chemotherapy drug to treat hepatoma, lung cancer and colon cancer by suppressing tumor growth. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 ![file] The Figure appear unexpectedly similar. , 
 To whom it may concern Iu2019m writing this words regarding to the correction for our previously published paper entitled u201cIn vitro anti-proliferative effects of Zuojinwan on eight kinds of human cancer cell lines by Lina Xu et al. on Cytotechnology. Due to our careless, we have put the same photos about the AO EB fluorescent staining of A549 cells treated with high dose of ZJW for 24 h and 48 h in Fig. 4 by mistake. Actually during submission of this manuscript, we have already checked all the original data. And the correct photo of AO EB staining was included, which was not what we showed in the Figure 4 by our mistake. Therefore, we sincerely appologize for this serious mistake. To correct this image confusion, we have contacted to the Cytotechnology today to correct this mistake. Sincerely yours, Prof. Jinyong Peng on behalf of all the authors. ![file] , 
 Dear Professor: Thank you for your reply. In case you were unaware, there appear to be around 20 papers identified on PubPeer for which you appear to be a co-author. If you are unfamiliar with this site, you may wish to follow this link to see those other papers: https: pubpeer.com search?q=%E2%80%9CJinyong+Peng%E2%80%9D , 
 Thank you very much for your reminding. Now, We are checking the original data to check each figure in those paper, and we will response these comments respectivelly. , 
 A Correction was Published: 11 November 2019  In the original publication, the AO EB fluorescent staining result of A549 cells treated with high dose of ZJW for 24 h was repeatedly pasted to those treated with high dose of ZJW for 48 h in Figure 4 due to negligence. In the corrected Fig. 4, we have provided the correct AO EB result of A549 cells treated with high dose of ZJW for 48 h, which showed no influence to the results. Unfortunately, in the corrected figure (as well as in the original), there appears to be two images that overlap, after rotation: *** ![file] Showing location. *** Close-up ![file] , 
 #5 A more thorough analysis of Corrected Figure 4 shows a possible 8 sets of overlapping images. Some seem to have been rotated as indicated. *** ![file] ,