Abstract
The authors of the article entitled, “Quiescent Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells Resist Oncotherapy and Can Restore Spermatogenesis in Germ Cell Depleted Mammalian Testis (DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0059; PMID: 24079711)” which was published in Stem Cells and Development online ahead of print in its unedited format but not yet included in a full issue, have requested a retraction of the article.
The study comprised of animal and human studies. Mouse studies showed that pluripotent VSELs in testis are protected from busulphan treatment and can restore spermatogenesis if healthy somatic (sertoli or mesenchymal) cells are transplanted. This study was approved by Animal Ethics Committee at National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH).
The human part of the study involved demonstration of similar pluripotent stem cells in testicular biopsy of seven adult azoospermic survivors of various kinds of childhood cancer.This study was approved by Institutional Committee for Stem Cells Research and Therapy (ICSCRT) at NIRRH and by Institute Ethics Committee of Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH). Biopsies were collected after proper informed consent of the study participants following all principles of bioethics and approvals at TMH. However, the authors have discovered they have erred and did not obtain approval from NIRRH Ethics Committee which was mandatory prior to handling the clinical samples.
All authors listed on the paper were contacted by Graham Parker, PhD, the Editor-in-Chief of Stem Cells and Development, to ensure their agreement to this retraction. All authors have agreed to the retraction, except Drs. Bakshi and Kurkure who have refused to communicate their agreement with the retraction.
Stem Cells and Development is committed to the highest standards of scientific excellence in peer review, and supports the authors' request to retract the article.