Retraction notice for: “PDK2 promotes chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by upregulation of Sox6 and activation of JNK/MAPK/ERK pathway” [Braz J Med Biol Res (2017) 50(2): e5988]

Abstract

Corresponding author Yongjun Qiao to withdraw this manuscript: ''My research group is still conducting research on the effect of PDK2 on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Some of the current experimental results are inconsistent with the previous results. Due to the need for further confirmation of the experimental results, in order not to mislead the readers, we request withdrawal''.Meanwhile, the Editors became aware of a denouncement published by independent journalists from the ''For Better Science'' website including this paper. This denouncement consisted of potential data falsification and/or inaccuracy of results in western blots and flow cytometry plots.

Dual protective role of velutin against articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone loss via the p38 signaling pathway in murine osteoarthritis

“…Moreover, inflammation is involved in the development of OA even in the early stages of the condition, and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and IL-1b are recognized as the most important compounds in OA progression (7,8). The p38 signaling pathway is a classic inflammatory pathway that exerts a crucial role in the course of a variety of human diseases, including OA (9)(10)(11). Inhibiting the P38 signaling pathway reduces the release of downstream inflammatory factors and inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, which may contribute to cartilage degradation (12), suggesting that protection against articular cartilage degeneration is a possible therapeutic target in OA (13).…”