1.MRI findings of spinal cord atrophy after spinal cord injury in children and their injury level
Yingxin ZHANG ; Genlin LIU ; Di CHEN ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Yifan TIAN ; Yiji WANG ; Yang JING ; Ruidong CHENG ; Shaomin ZHANG ; Jiafeng YAO ; Bo SUN ; Xiaomeng SUN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):387-392
ObjectiveTo delineate imaging findings using an imaging platform and investigate the correlation between MRI characteristics of spinal cord atrophy and clinical diagnosis in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsImaging data of 150 children with SCI admitted to Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, from January, 2002 to March, 2024 were collected and imported into the imaging platform. The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the middle part of the spinal cord at the cross-section with the most severe atrophy were measured, and the relevant indicators of the previous normal spinal cord segment were measured as controls; the radiomic features were extracted. Clinical data of the children including gender, age, cause of injury, sensory level, motor level, spinal cord injury level, injury severity and disease course were collected. ResultsSpinal cord atrophy was identified in 81 cases (54%), among which 78 cases (96%) were American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A and 3 cases (4%) were AIS grade C. The upper boundary of the spinal cord atrophy site strongly correlated with the injury level, motor level and sensory level (r > 0.8, P < 0.001). ConclusionMore than half of children with SCI may develop secondary spinal cord atrophy, the vast majority of whom suffer from complete spinal cord injury; the upper boundary of spinal cord atrophy is correlated with the injury level.
2.Effects of area of the posterior malleolus fracture and injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on functional recovery of the ankle in Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures
Ce HAN ; Jian YU ; Zhifeng WANG ; Jiafeng SONG ; Xiang GENG ; Chao ZHANG ; Xu WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(1):52-56
Objective:To investigate the effects of area of the posterior malleolus fracture and injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on functional recovery of the ankle joint in Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the clinical data of 47 patients with Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from January 2016 to January 2022. There were 22 males and 25 females with an age of (46.0±15.6) years. All patients were treated by open reduction and closed reduction. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships respectively between the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores at the last follow-up and the preoperative proportion of posterior ankle fracture area, and the anterior and posterior tibiofibular distances.Results:All patients were followed up for (17.2±0.6) months after surgery. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the proportion of posterior ankle fracture area ( P=0.160) and the posterior tibiofibular distance ( P=0.078) were significantly correlated with the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up. There was no significant correlation between the anterior tibiofibular distance and the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up ( P=0.689). The multiple regression analysis showed that the proportion of posterior ankle fracture area ( P=0.043) and the posterior tibiofibular distance ( P=0.022) had significant negative effects on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up. Conclusions:In Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures, the proportion of posterior ankle fracture area and the posterior tibiofibular distance are important predictors for postoperative functional recovery of the ankle. Therefore, in Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures, surgical indications for the posterior malleolar fracture depend not only on the size of the fracture, but also on whether the fracture involves the lower tibiofibular syndesmosis.
3.Correlation of aqueous humor cytokine profiles with disorganization of retinal inner layers and postoperative visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Shian ZHANG ; Yu HUO ; Xinyu GAO ; Yu ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Jiafeng YU ; Sulan WU ; Yiqi CHEN ; Jianbo MAO ; Lijun SHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(8):579-585
Objective:To observe and analyze the correlations between aqueous humor cytokine concentrations and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), as well as postoperative visual acuity, in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).Methods:A prospective clinical study. From November 2022 to October 2024, 40 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with iERM at Ophthalmology Center of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital) underwent cataract surgery alone or combined with pars plana vitrectomy (iERM group) were enrolled; 19 eyes of 19 patients undergoing cataract surgery alone during the same period served as the control group. All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). BCVA was assessed using a logarithmic visual acuity chart and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured using SS-OCT. The iERM group was further subdivided into DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups (21 eyes and 19 eyes, respectively), based on the presence or absence of DRIL. Aqueous humor samples were collected preoperatively from eyes in both the iERM and control groups. Concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Follow-up examinations using the same equipment and methods were performed at 1 month postoperatively. Aqueous cytokine levels were compared between the iERM group, control group, DRIL-positive subgroup, and DRIL-negative subgroup. Correlations between aqueous cytokine levels in the iERM group and BCVA or CMT were also analyzed. Intergroup comparisons utilized the Mann-Whitney U test; correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the control group, the iERM group exhibited significantly higher aqueous concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, and TNF-α ( P<0.05). Compared to the DRIL-negative subgroup, the DRIL-positive subgroup showed significantly elevated aqueous concentrations of TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, Ang-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in logMAR BCVA ( P=0.028) and CMT ( P<0.001) within the iERM group between preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements. LogMAR BCVA differed significantly between the DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups ( P=0.048). Correlation analysis revealed that baseline aqueous levels of VEGF-A and IL-6 in eyes with DRIL were positively correlated with postoperative BCVA ( r=0.324, 0.452; P=0.042, 0.003). No significant correlation was found between CMT and any cytokine ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Aqueous humor cytokines are closely associated with DRIL in iERM patients. IL-6 and VEGF-A may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for early postoperative visual recovery.
4.Current status and prospects of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Xingyu WANG ; Jian DUAN ; Jinlan HE ; Zhe QING ; Hui ZHANG ; Xudong ZHU ; Jiafeng JI
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(8):559-563
Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) represents a significant evolution in minimally invasive surgery, designed to accomplish cholecystectomy via a single umbilical incision. This approach seeks to reduce abdominal wall trauma while optimizing cosmetic outcomes. SILC is a safe and feasible minimally invasive technique for cholecystectomy under defined conditions; however, its broader adoption will require further evidence-based research and the establishment of standardized protocols to support its widespread implementation. When performed by skilled surgeons in carefully selected patients, SILC demonstrates clinical outcomes comparable to those of conventional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with notable improvements in incision aesthetics. Nonetheless, the technique is limited by a constrained operative field and a protracted learning curve. In response, continuous advancements in instrumentation and procedural modifications have propelled the further development and clinical integration of SILC. Drawing on current literature and clinical experience, this review delineates the technical characteristics, current clinical applications, primary benefits, and prevailing challenges associated with SILC.
5.Analysis of Bp-DNA Detection and Clinical and Laboratory Results of 2 649 Suspected Pertussis Patients in Xi'an Area
Xiaokang WU ; Chaoliang XIONG ; Jiafeng YIN ; Ni ZHANG ; Ke LEI ; Li JIN ; Yue ZHANG ; Wenting SUI ; Dong CHEN ; Shuanying YANG ; Qian HE
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(5):158-161,171
Objective To analyze the status of 2 649 suspected pertussis patients in Xi'an and the changes in laboratory diagnostic indi-cators.Methods 2 649 patients with suspected pertussis who visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from June 2023 to May 2025 were collected as the research subjects.Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from the patients,and pertussis nucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-fluorescence probe method.Laboratory diagnostic indicators were an-alyzed.Results Among the 2 649 samples tested,250 were positive for pertussis nucleic acid,with a positive detection rate of 9.44%.The detection rate in male patients was 9.37%(127/1 356),and in female patients was 9.51%(123/1 293),with difference no was statis-tically significant between the two groups(χ2=0.019,P=0.894).There was a statistically significant difference in the positive detection rate among different age groups(χ2=46.473,P<0.05),with the highest positive detection rate in the 7~19 age group(14.98%).The prevalence of pertussis showed a seasonal characteristic with a peak from April to September.21.2%(53/250)of the positive patients were mixed infections.In the 1~14 age group,the white blood cell count(WBC),lymphocyte percentage(LYMP%),and lymphocyte count(LYMP#)in the pertussis infection group were higher than those in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)infection group(t=10.179,5.819,8.614)and the Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection group(t=16.570,2.618,7.185),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01),respectively.In the>14 age group,the LYMP%and LYMP#in the pertussis infection group were higher than those in the MP infection group(t=3.275,2.319)and the RSV infection group(t=2.401,4.617),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion The pertussis infection status in Xi'an area from 2023 to 2025 shows significant char-acteristics in terms of age,season and laboratory test results.It is necessary to further improve the pertussis surveillance system in this area,optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment process and strengthen the vaccination work of pertussis vaccine.
6.Analysis of Bp-DNA Detection and Clinical and Laboratory Results of 2 649 Suspected Pertussis Patients in Xi'an Area
Xiaokang WU ; Chaoliang XIONG ; Jiafeng YIN ; Ni ZHANG ; Ke LEI ; Li JIN ; Yue ZHANG ; Wenting SUI ; Dong CHEN ; Shuanying YANG ; Qian HE
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(5):158-161,171
Objective To analyze the status of 2 649 suspected pertussis patients in Xi'an and the changes in laboratory diagnostic indi-cators.Methods 2 649 patients with suspected pertussis who visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from June 2023 to May 2025 were collected as the research subjects.Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from the patients,and pertussis nucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-fluorescence probe method.Laboratory diagnostic indicators were an-alyzed.Results Among the 2 649 samples tested,250 were positive for pertussis nucleic acid,with a positive detection rate of 9.44%.The detection rate in male patients was 9.37%(127/1 356),and in female patients was 9.51%(123/1 293),with difference no was statis-tically significant between the two groups(χ2=0.019,P=0.894).There was a statistically significant difference in the positive detection rate among different age groups(χ2=46.473,P<0.05),with the highest positive detection rate in the 7~19 age group(14.98%).The prevalence of pertussis showed a seasonal characteristic with a peak from April to September.21.2%(53/250)of the positive patients were mixed infections.In the 1~14 age group,the white blood cell count(WBC),lymphocyte percentage(LYMP%),and lymphocyte count(LYMP#)in the pertussis infection group were higher than those in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)infection group(t=10.179,5.819,8.614)and the Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection group(t=16.570,2.618,7.185),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01),respectively.In the>14 age group,the LYMP%and LYMP#in the pertussis infection group were higher than those in the MP infection group(t=3.275,2.319)and the RSV infection group(t=2.401,4.617),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion The pertussis infection status in Xi'an area from 2023 to 2025 shows significant char-acteristics in terms of age,season and laboratory test results.It is necessary to further improve the pertussis surveillance system in this area,optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment process and strengthen the vaccination work of pertussis vaccine.
7.Effects of area of the posterior malleolus fracture and injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on functional recovery of the ankle in Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures
Ce HAN ; Jian YU ; Zhifeng WANG ; Jiafeng SONG ; Xiang GENG ; Chao ZHANG ; Xu WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(1):52-56
Objective:To investigate the effects of area of the posterior malleolus fracture and injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on functional recovery of the ankle joint in Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the clinical data of 47 patients with Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from January 2016 to January 2022. There were 22 males and 25 females with an age of (46.0±15.6) years. All patients were treated by open reduction and closed reduction. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships respectively between the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores at the last follow-up and the preoperative proportion of posterior ankle fracture area, and the anterior and posterior tibiofibular distances.Results:All patients were followed up for (17.2±0.6) months after surgery. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the proportion of posterior ankle fracture area ( P=0.160) and the posterior tibiofibular distance ( P=0.078) were significantly correlated with the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up. There was no significant correlation between the anterior tibiofibular distance and the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up ( P=0.689). The multiple regression analysis showed that the proportion of posterior ankle fracture area ( P=0.043) and the posterior tibiofibular distance ( P=0.022) had significant negative effects on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up. Conclusions:In Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures, the proportion of posterior ankle fracture area and the posterior tibiofibular distance are important predictors for postoperative functional recovery of the ankle. Therefore, in Bartoní?ek type 2 ankle fractures, surgical indications for the posterior malleolar fracture depend not only on the size of the fracture, but also on whether the fracture involves the lower tibiofibular syndesmosis.
8.Correlation of aqueous humor cytokine profiles with disorganization of retinal inner layers and postoperative visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Shian ZHANG ; Yu HUO ; Xinyu GAO ; Yu ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Jiafeng YU ; Sulan WU ; Yiqi CHEN ; Jianbo MAO ; Lijun SHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(8):579-585
Objective:To observe and analyze the correlations between aqueous humor cytokine concentrations and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), as well as postoperative visual acuity, in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).Methods:A prospective clinical study. From November 2022 to October 2024, 40 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with iERM at Ophthalmology Center of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital) underwent cataract surgery alone or combined with pars plana vitrectomy (iERM group) were enrolled; 19 eyes of 19 patients undergoing cataract surgery alone during the same period served as the control group. All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). BCVA was assessed using a logarithmic visual acuity chart and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured using SS-OCT. The iERM group was further subdivided into DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups (21 eyes and 19 eyes, respectively), based on the presence or absence of DRIL. Aqueous humor samples were collected preoperatively from eyes in both the iERM and control groups. Concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Follow-up examinations using the same equipment and methods were performed at 1 month postoperatively. Aqueous cytokine levels were compared between the iERM group, control group, DRIL-positive subgroup, and DRIL-negative subgroup. Correlations between aqueous cytokine levels in the iERM group and BCVA or CMT were also analyzed. Intergroup comparisons utilized the Mann-Whitney U test; correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the control group, the iERM group exhibited significantly higher aqueous concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, and TNF-α ( P<0.05). Compared to the DRIL-negative subgroup, the DRIL-positive subgroup showed significantly elevated aqueous concentrations of TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, Ang-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in logMAR BCVA ( P=0.028) and CMT ( P<0.001) within the iERM group between preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements. LogMAR BCVA differed significantly between the DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups ( P=0.048). Correlation analysis revealed that baseline aqueous levels of VEGF-A and IL-6 in eyes with DRIL were positively correlated with postoperative BCVA ( r=0.324, 0.452; P=0.042, 0.003). No significant correlation was found between CMT and any cytokine ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Aqueous humor cytokines are closely associated with DRIL in iERM patients. IL-6 and VEGF-A may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for early postoperative visual recovery.
9.Ectopic ACTH hormone syndrome caused by medullary thyroid carcinoma treated by laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy: a case report and literature review
Qijun WO ; Yu ZHAO ; Wei YANG ; Ting DUAN ; Jiafeng SHOU ; Yunkai YANG ; Xiaolong QI ; Dahong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(4):299-305
Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy in treating ectopic ACTH syndrome (ACTH)caused by medullary thyroid carcinoma(MTC).Methods:A 56-year-old male patient was admitted after MTC surgery and 7 months of general fatigue. The patient had a history of two open thyroid surgeries for medullary thyroid carcinoma, with previous pathological reports indicating lymph node metastasis in the upper mediastinum and mediastinum, accompanied by weak cytoplasmic expression of ACTH and negative CRH staining. After the operation, the patient developed diabetes, hypertension, and hypokalemia. Upon admission, the patient presented with a blood pressure reading of 200/95 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), a weight of 61.5 kg, a height of 160 cm, a body mass index (BMI)of 24.02 kg/cm 2, and a waist circumference of 83 cm. Laboratory tests revealed the following: blood potassium level of 2.71 mmol/L, blood calcium level of 1.47 mmol/L, parathyroid hormone level of 6.0 pg/ml, fasting blood glucose level of 10.51 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin level of 8.2%, blood calcitonin level exceeding 2 000 pg/ml, and blood CEA level of 70.8 μg/L. The plasma ACTH levels at 8∶00, 16∶00, and 24∶00 were 189.0, 125.0, and 65.0 pg/ml, respectively. Serum cortisol levels at 08∶00, 16∶00, and 24∶00 were 429.30, 408.14, and 446.61 μg/L, respectively. The 24-hour urine free cortisol measurement was 1 200 μg, and after the midnight 1mg dexamethasone suppression test at 8∶00, the plasma ACTH level was 183.0 pg/ml, and the serum cortisol level was 538.27 μg/L. The aldosterone level in standing position after 2 hours was 8.2 pg/ml. There were no significant abnormality in catecholamine hormone detection or thyroid function in blood and urine samples. An 18F-FDG-PET/CT examination showed multiple lymph node metastases in the neck, while an abdominal CT scan revealed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Enhanced MRI revealed pituitary gland thinning, and lung CT and sputum culture examinations showed scattered multiple lung infections. After a multidisciplinary discussion, the patient was diagnosed with EAS, postoperative MTC metastasis, diabetes, hypertension, hypokalemia, pulmonary infection, mild anemia, liver dysfunction, hypoparathyroidism, and hypocalcemia. The patient were accepted laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy via an abdominal approach under general anesthesia. The left adrenal gland was removed first, followed by the right adrenal gland after repositioning. Results:The surgery was successful with a surgical duration of approximately 60 minutes and an intraoperative bleeding volume of about 20 ml. No surgical complications occurred during the perioperative period. Pathological examination confirmed nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and bilateral adrenal medullary hyperplasia with negative ACTH staining. After a 3-month postoperative follow-up, blood calcitonin levels remained above 2000 pg/ml. The blood ACTH levels at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery were 183.0, 220.0, and 731.0 pg/ml, respectively. However, hypertension, diabetes, and hypokalemia rapidly improved. One month after surgery, blood pressure was 100/80 mmHg, fasting blood glucose was 4.4 mmol/L, and blood potassium was 3.87 mmol/L. Pulmonary infection showed improvement, and no adrenal crisis occurred. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy consisted of 20 mg of hydrocortisone tablets in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy involved daily administration of 100 μg of levothyroxine. Genetic testing revealed heterozygous mutations in the Ret gene. The patient is currently undergoing clinical trial treatment with Ret inhibitors.Conclusions:Based on the data from this case and existing literature reports, laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy might be safe and effective treatment option for EAS caused by unresectable MTC metastasis. It can correct hypertension, diabetes, and hypokalemia and increase the opportunity for MTC treatment.
10.Curcumin alleviates chronic restraint stress-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats by inhibiting JNK-mediated inflammation
Qian YAO ; Jiafeng ZHU ; Maoquan YANG ; Yue XU ; Lili QIN ; Shengqin WU ; Kunying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(8):1426-1435
AIM:To investigate the effects of curcumin on cardiac dysfunction induced by chronic restraint stress in a depression rat model.METHODS:Thirty-two Wistar rats weighing(200±20)g were randomly divided into control,model,low-dose curcumin,and high-dose curcumin groups(n=8 per group).The rats in model and curcumin groups were subjected to chronic restraint stress for 5 h daily at random time,while those in control group were maintained under normal conditions.Following daily stress exposure,the rats in low-and high-dose curcumin groups received 100 and 200 mg/kg curcumin daily,respectively,and those in control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline daily.The above treatments lasted for 28 d.Body weight of the rats was measured weekly.Sucrose preference test was performed on days 14 and 28 of the experiment.Serum corticosterone content was determined to evaluate depression.Histological changes of cardiac tissues were observed using HE and Masson staining.Echocardiography was conducted to examine heart function.The related mRNA and protein levels were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blot,respective-ly.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the rats in model group exhibited significantly slower weight gain(P<0.05),impaired sucrose preference(P<0.01),and increased corticosterone levels(P<0.01).HE staining revealed myo-cardial hypertrophy in model group but not in control group.Masson staining indicated significantly higher cardiac fibrosis in model group than control group(P<0.01).Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated a significant increase in posi-tive collagen type I expression(P<0.01).RT-qPCR results showed significantly elevated mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,and interleukin-1β)and fibrosis factors(α-smooth muscle actin,colla-gen type I,and collagen type Ⅲ)in model group compared with control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Western blot re-vealed a significant increase in c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)phosphorylation level in model group(P<0.01).Treat-ment with low-and high-dose curcumin reversed the above indicators.CONCLUSION:Curcumin treatment attenuated cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in rats subjected to chronic restraint stress,possibly by inhibiting JNK signaling pathway.

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