Oncology Reports Research Articles

Retracted] Alpinetin suppresses proliferation of human hepatoma cells by the activation of MKK7 and elevates sensitization to cis‑diammined dichloridoplatium.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that western blot data shown in Fig.2B were strikingly similar to data that had appeared in different form in another article. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication elsewhere prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 27: 1090‑1096, 2012; DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1580].

Retracted] Long noncoding RNA UCID sponges miR‑152‑3p to promote colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion via the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that there appeared to be matching data panels comparing between the Transwell invasion and migration assays shown in Figs.2C and 5C; moreover, one of the data panels shown in Fig.2D had previously appeared in a paper written largely by different authors (the author 'T‑D Shan' was held in common) at different research institutes in the journal Oncotarget in 2016 [ShanT‑D, Xu, J‑H, Yu T, Li J‑Y, Zhao L‑N, Ouyang H, LuoS, LuX‑J, Huang C‑Z, Lan Q‑S etal: Knockdown of linc‑POU3F3 suppresses the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration resistance of colorectal cancer. Oncotarget7: 961‑975, 2016]. Finally, an independent investigation of these data in the Editorial Office revealed that, in addition to the data shared between Figs.2 and5, there were overlapping data panels both within Fig.5C and within the wound healing assay data shown in Fig.3B. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, and given the number of cases of overlapping data panels both within and between figures in the artce itself, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they did not agree with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 44: 1194‑1295, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7670].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑326 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, activating apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by directly targeting LIM and SH3 protein1.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that various panels showing data from flow cytometric experiments in Figs.2E, 5E and 6E, and the cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Fig.2D and 6D, were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, elsewhere when it was submitted to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 38: 1569‑1578, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5810].

Retracted] Proteasome inhibitor sensitizes oral squamous cell carcinoma cells to TRAIL‑mediated apoptosis.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that, in Fig.4 on p.650, the same β‑actin bands had apparently been used to show the experimental effects of the proteasome inhibitor MG‑132 on c‑FLIP in HSC‑2 cells in Fig.4A, and the effects of MG‑132 on IAPs in HSC‑3 cells in Fig.4B. In addition, for the fourth lane in the gel showing the effects of MG‑132 on c‑FLIP in HSC‑3 cells, this should have been labelled as '+MG‑132/+TRAIL' (not as '‑/‑'). Upon contacting the authors in relation to this matter, they could only admit that errors had been made in the preparation of the figure; moreover, they no longer had access to the original data owing to the time that has elapsed since the publication of the paper, and it would be impossible for them to now repeat this experiment. After having considered this matter and in conjunction with a request made by the authors, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the publication. Both the Editor and the authors apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 25: 645‑652, 2011; DOI: 10.3892/or.2010.1127].

Retracted] Isoquercitrin inhibits the progression of liver cancer invivo and invitro via the MAPK signalling pathway.

Subsequently to the publication of the above article, a concerned reader drew to our attention that the data panel shown in Fig.7A for the 400μM isoquercitrin experiment had previously appeared in Fig.4A in another article published in the journal International Journal of Oncology [Tang B, LiY, YuanS, TomlinsonS and HeS:Upregulation of the δopioid receptor in liver cancer promotes liver cancer progression both invitro and invivo. Int J Oncol43: 1281‑1290, 2013], indicating that results that were purported to have been obtained under different experimental conditions had been derived from the same original source. Furthermore, concerns were also raised regarding the originality of some of the other data belonging to this figure. Given the errors that were identified in the compilation of Fig.7 in this article, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this article should be retracted from the publication owing to a lack of overall confidence in the presented data. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience that might result from the retraction of this article. [Oncology Reports 31: 2377‑2384, 2014; DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3099].

Retracted] Isoquercitrin inhibits the progression of pancreatic cancer invivo and invitro by regulating opioid receptors and the mitogen‑activated protein kinase signalling pathway.

Subsequent to the publication of the above article, a concerned reader drew to our attention that the flow cytometric plots shown in Fig.2 had previously appeared in another article published in the journal OncologyReports [Huang G, TangB, TangK, Dong X, Deng J, Liao L, Liao Z, YangH and HeS:Isoquercitrin inhibits the progression of liver cancer invivo and invitro via the MAPK signalling pathway. OncolRep 31:2377‑2384, 2014], suggesting that data purportedly showing results obtained under different experimental conditions had been derived from the same original source. Given the errors that were identified in the compilation of Fig.2 in this article, and the fact that all the data in this figure had been re‑used from a previously published source, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this article should be retracted from the publication owing to a lack of overall confidence in the presented data. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience that might result from the retraction of this article. [Oncology Reports33: 840‑848, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3626].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑148a suppresses epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells by targeting Wnt10b and inhibiting the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway.

Following the publication of this article, a concerned reader drew to the Editor's attention that various of the data panels showing the results from Transwell cell migration and invasion assay experiments in Figs.2D and4D contained groupings of cells that were markedly similar, even though the cells appeared in separate panels that were intended to show the results from different experiments. In addition, the cell images shown in Fig.2B were strikingly similar to data that had appeared in different form in another article published by different authors at a different research institution. After having conducted an internal investigation of this matter, the Editor of Oncology Reports has judged that the groupings of cells, appearing as they did among various different panels in Figs.2 and 4, were too extensive that their apperance could have been attributed to pure coincidence. Also in view of the fact that some of the data were derived from a previously published source, the Editor has decided that this article should be retracted from the publication. After having been in contact with the authors of this study, they agreed with the Editor's decision to retract this article. The Editor sincerely apologizes to the readership for any incovenience caused, and we thank the reader for bringing this matter to our attention. [Oncology Reports 38: 301‑308, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5705].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑326 inhibits melanoma progression by targeting KRAS and suppressing the AKT and ERK signalling pathways.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that various panels showing data from flow cytometric experiments in Figs.2D, 5D and 6D, and the cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Fig.2C and 5C, were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Moreover, the data appeared to be overlapping comparing between a pair of the panels in Figs.2C and 5C, such that these may have been selected from the same original source, even though the data were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, elsewhere when it was submitted to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 401‑410, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6074].

Retracted] Pin2/TRF1‑binding protein X1 inhibits colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion invitro and metastasis invivo via the nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathway.

Following the publication of the above article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that Figs.3C and E in the paper appeared to contain instances of duplicated data. The authors were able to consult their original data files, and realized that these figures had indeed been assembled incorrectly; subsequently, they requested that a corrigendum be published to take account of the errors that were made during the compilation of these figures. Having investigated this matter in the Editorial Office, however, additional panels of overlapping data were identified, comparing between Figs.3 and 5; specifically, overlapping data panels were also identified in panels in Figs.3C, E and F, and5C and D. The Editor of Oncology Reports has considered the authors' request to publish a corrigendum, but has decided to decline this request on account of the large number of errors that have been identified; rather, the article is to be be retracted from the Journal on the basis of an overall lack of confidence in the presented data. The Editor apologizes to the readership of the Journal for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 40: 1533‑1544, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6570].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑122 affects cell aggressiveness and apoptosis by targeting PKM2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Following the publication of both the above article and a corrigendum (doi:10.3892/or.2021.8073) that was concerned with the correction of overlapping data panels in Figs.6 and 7, it has been drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that the proposed replacement cell invasion assay shown in the revised version of Fig.7A, and also flow cytometric data featured in Fig.5A and C, were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that these contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 34: 2054‑2064, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4175].

Retracted] miR‑125a‑5p upregulation suppresses the proliferation and induces the cell apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting NEDD9.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell invasion assay data panels shown in Fig.3A were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors, but which had already been published elsewhere prior to this paper's submission to Oncology Reports. In view of the fact some of these data had already apparently been published previously, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 38: 1790‑1796, 2017; 10.3892/or.2017.5812].

Retracted] Overexpression of miR‑203 increases the sensitivity of NSCLC A549/H460 cell lines to cisplatin by targeting Dickkopf‑1.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the mouse images shown in Fig.5A and the flow cytometric assay data shown in Fig.4A and B were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by some of the same authors, but which had already been published elsewhere or were already under consideration for publication, prior to this paper's submission to Oncology Reports. In view of the fact that these apparent duplications of data have come to light, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 37: 2129‑2136, 2017; 10.3892/or.2017.5505].

Retracted] miR‑148a suppresses human renal cell carcinoma malignancy by targeting AKT2.

Following the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to our attention that the western blot data shown in Fig.7, the scratch‑wound assay data in Fig.2D and the cell invasion assay data in Fig.2E were strikingly similar to data that had already been published in different articles by different authors from different research institutions, or which were already under consideration for publication elsewhere. Independently of the reader's enquiry, the authors contacted the Editorial Office to request that the paper be retracted on account of the fact that they were unable to reproduce the results presented in Fig.2. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, elsewhere when it was submitted to Oncology Reports, and in line with the authors' own request, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 37: 147‑154, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5257].

Retracted] Induction of apoptosis by casticin in cervical cancer cells through reactive oxygen species‑mediated mitochondrial signaling pathways.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the lanes shown in the DNA agarose gel electrophoresis experiment in Figs.2D bore some striking similarities; furthermore, there were unexpectedly similar‑looking bands included within the gel slices for the western blotting experiments portrayed in Fig.3B and C. The Editor of Oncology Reports independently received a request from the authors that this paper be retracted, and in view of the uncertainties regarding some of the data shown in Figs.2 and 3, the Editor agrees with the authors' request that their paper be retracted. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 26: 1287‑1294, 2011; DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1367].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑153 is a prognostic marker and inhibits cell migration and invasion by targeting SNAI1 in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Subsequently to the publication of the above article, a concerned reader drew to the Editors' attention that the cell invasion and migration assay data shown in Fig.3B and D were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that these contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 34: 595‑602, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4051].

Retracted] siRNA‑mediated inhibition of endogenous brain‑derived neurotrophic factor gene modulates the biological behavior of HeLa cells.

Subsequently to the publication of the above article and a Corrigendum that was published to indicate corrections made to Fig.7 (DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7922; published online on January5, 2021), a concerned reader drew the Editor's attention to the fact that, comparing between a pair of panels in the Figure, there was an overlapping section of data; moreover, this overlapping section contained apparent anomalies that could not be easily accounted for through a straightforward re‑use of one of the data panels. The authors conceded that there was partial duplication between the images shown in Fig.7B and F, although they were unable to access the related raw data as the experiments had been performed almost 10years ago. Secondly, the authors informed the Editor that the corresponding author did not know he was on the author list at the time of submission. Although the authors' were granted permission to publish the Corrigendum, the Editor now considers that the paper should be retracted on account of the uncertainties in the presented revised data and the authors' admission concerning the corresponding author. Therefore, this paper has been retracted from the Journal. The authors are in agreement with the decision to retract the article. The Editor apologizes for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 37: 2751‑2760, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5569].

Retracted] MicroRNA‑448 suppresses metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through targeting JAK1/STAT3 pathway.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the western blot data shown in Figs.4B and 7, the stratch‑wound assay data shown in Figs.2B andE and Fig.6B, and the cellular images shown in Fig.3 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors in different research institutions. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 38: 1075‑1082, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5781].

Retracted] Aberrant expression of B7‑H3 in gastric adenocarcinoma promotes cancer cell metastasis.

Following the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that the scratch‑wound assay data featured in Fig.5A on p.2090 appeared to contain some overlapping data comparing between the panels, such that these data, which were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments, may have been derived from the same original source. After having re‑examined their original data, the authors conceded that the figure had been assembled incorrectly (specifically, four of the images selected out of the nine data panels included in this figure part had been chosen erroneously). Furthermore, the first author on the paper (WeiDai) also acknowledged that several of the named authors had not given their prior consent to be included as such as authors on the paper, and therefore a request was made that the paper be retracted from the publication. In view of these admissions, the Editor of Oncology Reports has accepted the authors' request that the paper be retracted from the journal. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 32: 2086‑2092, 2014; DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3405].

Retracted] Tumor suppressor role of miR-217 in human epithelial ovarian cancer by targeting IGF1R.

Following the publication of the above paper, a concerned reader drew to the Editors' attention that certain of the western blot data shown in Figs.4B and 6D, and the scratch‑wound assay data shown in Fig.2D, were strikingly similar to data that had already appeared in previously published papers written by different authors at different institutes. Furthermore, there appeared to be anomalies associated with the cell invasion assay data portrayed in Fig.2E. Having considered the issues identified, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this article should be retracted from the Journal on account of the reappearance of previously published data and the uncertainties regarding the data in Fig.2E. After consulting the authors, they agreed with the Editor's decision that this paper should be retracted. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 35: 1671‑1679, 2016; DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4498].

Retracted] miR‑365 targets ADAM10 and suppresses the cell growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the colony formation assay data shown in Fig.2C and the tumor images shown in Fig.2E were similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 37: 1857‑1864, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5423].