Retracted: Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Targets MicroRNA-329-3p to Regulate Expression of the SMAD2 Gene in Human Cervical Cancer Tissue and Cell Lines.

The Editors of Medical Science Monitor wish to inform you that the above manuscript has been retracted from publication due to concerns with the credibility and originality of the study, the manuscript content, and the Figure images. Reference: Mei Mei Guan, Qun Xian Rao, Miao Ling Huang, Li Juan Wang, Shao Dan Lin, Qing Chen, Chang Hao Liu. Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Targets MicroRNA-329-3p to Regulate Expression of the SMAD2 Gene in Human Cervical Cancer Tissue and Cell Lines. Med Sci Monit, 2019; 25: 8131-8141. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.916292.

Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Targets MicroRNA-329-3p to Regulate Expression of the SMAD2 Gene in Human Cervical Cancer Tissue and Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND Worldwide, mortality from cervical cancer in women remains high. This study aimed to investigate the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TP73-AS1, microRNA-329-3p (miRNA-329-3p), and the SMAD2 gene and their regulatory relationships in human cervical cancer tissue and cervical cancer cell lines. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cervical cancer tissue samples (n=30) and normal control cervical tissues were studied. Cell proliferation and migration were investigated in HeLa and SiHa human cervical cancer cells using the MTT assay, crystal violet staining, wound healing assay, and the transwell assay. Expression of lncRNA TP73-AS1 and the SMAD2 gene were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Enrichment of miR-329-3p was measured using the RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIPA). Targeting relationships between TP73-AS1, miR-329-3p, and SMAD2 were identified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. A subcutaneous xenograft model was established, tumor size was measured, and SMAD2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS LncRNA TP73-AS1 was overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells and was associated with reduced expression of miR-329-3p. Down-regulation of lncRNA TP73-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased miR-329-3p expression. Expression of SMAD2 down-regulated miR-329-3p and was associated with increased expression of TP73-AS1. LncRNA TP73-AS1 knockdown resulted in miR-329-3p silencing. In tumor xenografts, expression of TP73-AS1 reduced the tumor volume and down-regulated the expression levels of the SMAD2 gene. CONCLUSIONS LncRNA TP73-AS1 promoted proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines by targeting miR-329-3p to regulate the expression of the SMAD2 gene. A regulatory network was formed between lncRNA TP73-AS1, miR-329-3p, and SMAD2.

Association Between HIF-1 Alpha Gene Polymorphisms and Response in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess whether HIF-1α polymorphisms have an effect on the response to chemotherapy of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study in 162 LACC patients. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α C1772T and G1790A genetic polymorphisms were ascertained using direct sequencing methods. RESULTS The C1772T polymorphism was significantly related to response to chemotherapy (P=0.002), and there was an increased chance of treatment response in patients with the C/C genotype (OR=4.7; 95% CI: 1.67-13.49; P=0.004). The C1772T polymorphism was also associated with poor tumor grade (adjusted OR, 2.98; 95% CI: 1.08-8.13; P=0.037). However, The G1790A polymorphism was not associated with response (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The C1772T polymorphism was significantly related to response to chemotherapy and poor tumor grade. Our results may help to better manage individual patients and to improve clinical decision making regarding use of NACT.

The added value of fasting blood glucose to serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen for predicting oncological outcomes in cervical cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the combination of fasting blood glucose (FBG) with squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) assessments in the prediction of tumor responses to chemotherapy and pretreatment prognostication among patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS: Data of 347 LACC patients were retrospectively reviewed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and areas under the curves (AUCs) were compared to evaluate the ability to predict complete response (CR) following NACT. Patients were stratified into groups with low and high levels of SCCA and FBG and combined into low- or high-SCCA and low- or high-FBG groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The AUCs were 0.70, 0.68, and 0.66 for SCCA, FBG, and a combination of SCCA and FBG for predicting CR following NACT, respectively; however, the differences among AUCs were not significant (P = .496). Pretreatment SCCA and FBG levels were identified as independent predictors of RFS and OS. The high-SCCA/high-FBG group showed significantly worse prognosis than the low-SCCA/low-FBG group. After adjusting for other variables, high-SCCA/high-FBG remained independently associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence and death. CONCLUSION: SCCA, FBG, and a combination of SCCA and FBG could acceptably predict CR following NACT. Pretreatment SCCA and FBG levels were independent prognostic factors. The combination of SCCA and FBG levels refined the prognostic stratification of LACC patients, which allowed the group of patients with the highest risk of recurrence and death to be identified.