Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2017
RETRACTION: Melatonin Modulates Dysregulated Circadian Clocks in Mice With Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular
Retraction:
Sánchez DI, González-Fernández B, Crespo I, San-Miguel B, Álvarez M, González-Gallego J, Tuñón MJ. Melatonin modulates dysregulated circadian clocks in mice with diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12506. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpi.12506 The above article, published online on 16 May 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Gianluca Tosini, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Following publication, concerns were raised by third parties regarding Figures 1C and 3C. Specifically, concerns were raised that portions of Figure 1C are duplicated in Figure 2C of another article by the same author group.1 Concerns were also raised that portions of Figure 3C were duplicated within the figure. The authors could not provide the original data for these figures. The authors provided some updated images, but these were not sufficient to resolve the concerns, and the authors were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the concerns. The retraction has been agreed because of concerns that portions of the figures were duplicated and overlap with the authors' previous article, affecting the interpretation of the data and results presented. The authors disagree with this decision. 1. González-Fernández B, Sánchez DI, Crespo I, San-Miguel B, de Urbina JO, González-Gallego J, Tuñón MJ. Melatonin attenuates dysregulation of the circadian clock pathway in mice with ccl4-induced fibrosis and human hepatic stellate cells. Front. Pharmacol 2018;9:556. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00556.
Insights
This study on melatonin and liver cancer in mice was retracted due to duplicated figures, impacting data interpretation. The authors dispute this decision, highlighting concerns over image duplication and data integrity in scientific research.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma research
- Circadian clock regulation
- Melatonin's biological effects
Context:
- Concerns raised regarding data duplication in Figures 1C and 3C.
- Duplication identified between Figure 1C and another publication by the same authors.
- Figure 3C also contained internal duplications.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of melatonin in modulating circadian clock dysregulation in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice.
- To assess the impact of melatonin on liver cancer progression and associated clock pathway alterations.
Summary:
- The article investigating melatonin's effects on circadian clocks in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma has been retracted.
- Retraction due to concerns over duplicated figures (1C and 3C) and insufficient original data provided by authors.
- Concerns about figure duplication affected the interpretation of presented data and results.
Impact:
- Undermines the reliability of findings on melatonin and liver cancer.
- Highlights the importance of rigorous data verification in scientific publishing.
- Raises questions about the integrity of research involving circadian clock modulation and cancer.

