1.Treadmill Exercise Attenuates Hippocampal Neuroinflammation and Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Methamphetamine-Addicted Mice: Transcriptomic Screening Identifies NLRC5 as a Candidate Molecule
Guo-Si YING ; Qiu-Yue HUANG ; Ji-Sheng XU ; Xue-Jie ZHANG ; Ya-Rui DANG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2820-2834
ObjectiveTreadmill exercise intervention was evaluated for its effects on addictive behavior, learning and memory, and hippocampal neuroinflammation in methamphetamine (MA)-addicted mice, and transcriptomic screening was performed to identify candidate molecules involved in exercise-mediated attenuation of MA-related neuronal injury. MethodsTwo-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control (C), exercise control (CE), methamphetamine (M), and methamphetamine plus exercise (ME). Mice in the M and ME groups received intraperitoneal injections of MA (1 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days to establish the addiction model, whereas mice in the C and CE groups received equal volumes of saline. Subsequently, mice in the CE and ME groups underwent treadmill exercise at 12 m/min for 60 min/d for 2 weeks. Conditioned place preference (CPP), the Y-maze, and the Morris water maze (MWM) were used to assess addictive behavior, spatial recognition memory, and spatial learning and memory, respectively. Hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and microglia-related responses were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining for ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the hippocampal CA1 region. Previously generated and publicly available RNA-seq data from brain tissue of the C, M, and ME groups were reanalyzed, with three biological samples per group. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were re-screened using the criteria of P<0.05 and fold change>1.5 or <0.67, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (Nlrc5) was further validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of NLRC5, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‑κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin. ResultsTreadmill exercise significantly attenuated MA-induced conditioned place preference and improved learning and memory performance in both the Y-maze and MWM tests. Exercise increased exploration time and distance in the novel arm of the Y-maze, shortened escape latency, and increased the number of platform crossings in the MWM. Average swimming speed during the probe trial did not differ significantly among groups, suggesting that the MWM differences were not attributable to obvious differences in swimming performance. TEM revealed that MA exposure induced mitochondrial swelling, disrupted cristae, reduced organelle abundance, and nuclear envelope abnormalities in hippocampal neurons, whereas these ultrastructural changes were alleviated after exercise. Immunofluorescence staining showed that MA increased Iba-1 fluorescence intensity in the hippocampal CA1 region, while treadmill exercise significantly reduced this change. Transcriptomic analysis identified 160 DEGs associated with MA exposure and 58 DEGs associated with exercise intervention, with 9 overlapping DEGs. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that MA-related DEGs were enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Among the overlapping DEGs, Nlrc5, which was downregulated after MA exposure and restored following exercise intervention, was selected as a candidate gene for further validation. RT-qPCR confirmed that treadmill exercise reversed the MA-induced decrease in Nlrc5 mRNA expression. Western blot analysis further showed that treadmill exercise increased NLRC5, PSD-95, and synaptophysin protein expression while reducing NF-κB and IL-1β expression. ConclusionTwo weeks of treadmill exercise attenuated MA-induced conditioned place preference and ameliorated learning and memory impairment, alleviated hippocampal neuroinflammation and neuronal ultrastructural damage, and restored the expression of synapse-related proteins. Transcriptomic screening combined with molecular validation demonstrated that exercise intervention was accompanied by restoration of NLRC5 expression, reduced NF‑κB and IL-1β expression, and increased PSD-95 and synaptophysin expression. These findings suggest that NLRC5 may represent a candidate molecule involved in exercise-mediated amelioration of MA-related neuronal injury. However, the present results mainly demonstrate coordinated changes in NLRC5 expression, inflammatory indicators, and cognitive outcomes rather than a direct causal relationship, and the specific role of NLRC5 requires further functional validation.
2.Current status of generalized pustular psoriasis: Findings from a multicenter hospital-based survey of 127 Chinese patients.
Haimeng WANG ; Jiaming XU ; Xiaoling YU ; Siyu HAO ; Xueqin CHEN ; Bin PENG ; Xiaona LI ; Ping WANG ; Chaoyang MIAO ; Jinzhu GUO ; Qingjie HU ; Zhonglan SU ; Sheng WANG ; Chen YU ; Qingmiao SUN ; Minkuo ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuzhen LI ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Songmei GENG ; Aijun CHEN ; Zigang XU ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Qianjin LU ; Yan LU ; Xian JIANG ; Gang WANG ; Hong FANG ; Qing SUN ; Jie LIU ; Hongzhong JIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):953-961
BACKGROUND:
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP.
CONCLUSIONS
The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans
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Male
;
Female
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Psoriasis/pathology*
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Adult
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Adolescent
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Child
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Young Adult
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Quality of Life
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Middle Aged
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China/epidemiology*
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Recurrence
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Risk Factors
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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East Asian People
3.Constructing core outcome set for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment of post-stroke aphasia.
Ya-Nan MA ; Min-Jie XU ; Yu-Ai YANG ; Jian CHEN ; Qiao-Sheng REN ; Ying LI ; Jing-Ling CHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):238-253
According to the principle and current domestic and international construction processes of core outcome set(COS) and the characteristics of post-stroke aphasia, this study built COS with evidence-based support for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Firstly, a comprehensive review was conducted on the articles about the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia that were published in the four major Chinese databases, three major English databases, and three clinical registration centers over the past five years. The articles were analyzed and summarized, on the basis of which the main part of the COS for clinical research on the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia was formed. Secondly, clinical doctors and related nursing personnel were interviewed, and important outcome indicators in the clinical diagnosis and treatment process were supplemented to form a pool of core outcome indicators. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were carried out to score the importance of the core outcome indicators in the pool. Finally, a consensus meeting of experts was held to establish the COS for clinical research on the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia. The final COS included a total of 268 studies [236 randomized controlled trials(RCTs), 21 Meta-analysis, and 11 clinical registration protocols] and 20 open questionnaire survey results. After two rounds of Delphi surveys, a total of 14 outcome indicators and their corresponding measurement tools were included in the expert consensus meeting. The final expert consensus meeting determined the COS for post-stroke aphasia, which included 9 indicator domains and 12 outcome indicators.
Humans
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Aphasia/therapy*
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Stroke/complications*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Treatment Outcome
4.Research progress in effect of traditional Chinese medicine on aerobic glycolysis in colorectal cancer.
Xu MA ; Sheng-Long LI ; Guang-Rong ZHENG ; Da-Cheng TIAN ; Gang-Gang LU ; Jie GAO ; Yu-Qi AN ; Li-Yuan CAO ; Liang LI ; Xiao-Yong TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1496-1506
Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Due to the treatment intolerance and side effects, CRC rank the top among various cancers regarding the incidence and mortality rates. Therefore, exploring new therapies is of great significance for the treatment of CRC. Aerobic glycolysis(AEG) plays an important role in the microenvironment formation, proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence of CRC and other tumor cells. It has been confirmed that intervening in the AEG pathway can effectively curb CRC. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can effectively inhibit the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance and regulate the apoptosis of tumor cells by modulating AEG-associated transport proteins [eg, glucose transporters(GLUT)], key enzymes [hexokinase(HK) and phosphofructokinase(PFK)], key genes [hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1) and oncogene(c-Myc)], and signaling pathways(MET/PI3K/Akt/mTOR). Accordingly, they can treat CRC, reduce the recurrence, and improve the prognosis of CRC. Although AEG plays a key role in the development and progression of CRC, the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this article delves into the intrinsic connection of the targets and mechanisms of the AEG pathway with CRC from the perspective of tumor cell glycolysis and explores how active ingredients(oxymatrine, kaempferol, and dioscin) and compound prescriptions(Quxie Capsules, Jiedu Sangen Decoction, and Xianlian Jiedu Prescription) of TCM treat CRC by intervening in the AEG pathway. Additionally, this article explores the shortcomings in the current research, aiming to provide reliable targets and a theoretical basis for treating CRC with TCM.
Humans
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Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Glycolysis/drug effects*
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Animals
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
5.Study on strategies and methods for discovering risk of traditional Chinese medicine-related liver injury based on real-world data: an example of Corydalis Rhizoma.
Long-Xin GUO ; Li LIN ; Yun-Juan GAO ; Min-Juan LONG ; Sheng-Kai ZHU ; Ying-Jie XU ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiao-He XIAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3784-3795
In recent years, there have been frequent adverse reactions/events associated with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), especially liver injury related to traditional non-toxic TCM, which requires adequate attention. Liver injury related to traditional non-toxic TCM is characterized by its sporadic and insidious nature and is influenced by various factors, making its detection and identification challenging. There is an urgent need to develop a strategy and method for early detection and recognition of traditional non-toxic TCM-related liver injury. This study was based on national adverse drug reaction monitoring center big data, integrating methodologies such as reporting odds ratio(ROR), network toxicology, and computational chemistry, so as to systematically research the risk signal identification and evaluation methods for TCM-related liver injury. The optimized ROR method was used to discover potential TCM with a risk of liver injury, and network toxicology and computational chemistry were used to identify potentially high-risk TCM. Additionally, typical clinical cases were analyzed for confirmation. An integrated strategy of "discovery via big data, identification via dry/wet method, confirmation via typical cases, and precise risk prevention and control" was developed to identify the risk of TCM-related liver injury. Corydalis Rhizoma was identified as a TCM with high risk, and its toxicity-related substances and potential toxicity mechanisms were analyzed. The results revealed that liver injury is associated with components such as tetrahydropalmatine and tetrahydroberberine, with potential mechanisms related to immune-inflammatory pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and Th17 cell differentiation. This paper innovatively integrated real-world evidence and computational toxicology methods, offering insights and technical support for establishing a risk discovery and identification strategy for TCM-related liver injury based on real-world big data, providing innovative ideas and strategies for guiding the safe and rational use of medication in clinical practices.
Corydalis/adverse effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Humans
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/etiology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/adverse effects*
;
Rhizome/adverse effects*
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Male
;
Female
7.Implant restoration for patient with two oroantral communications treated by staged surgeries: a case report.
Lingyan LI ; Jie LIANG ; Sheng XU
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(3):442-447
In the realm of oral implantology, currently, there is no unanimous consensus or authoritative guideline regarding how to conduct implant restoration for cases involving oroantral communication or oroantral fistula. In these cases, the bony plate of the maxillary sinus floor is discontinuous, the oro-sinus mucosa is in communication, and a vertical alveolar bone defect exists. This paper presents a case of a patient with two oroantral communications who successfully underwent implant restoration via simple staged surgeries. Following a 2-year clinical follow-up, the implant remains in good condition, and the patient expresses satisfaction. The objective of this paper is to offer a simple, safe, and readily-promotable new approach for such cases.
Humans
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Dental Implantation, Endosseous/methods*
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Dental Implants
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Maxillary Sinus/surgery*
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Oroantral Fistula/surgery*
8.Protective effects of paeonol on human neuroblastoma cells in Parkinson's disease model and its underlying mechanism
Sheng-Nan SUN ; Lu-Lu HE ; Shao-Chen QIN ; Lei XU ; Li-Ran WANG ; Bao-Feng YU ; Cun-Gen MA ; Hui-Jie FAN ; Zhi CHAI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(1):69-75
Objective To investigate the protective effects of paeonol(PAE)on autophagy in human neuroblastoma cells(SH-SY5Y)induced by overexpression of α-synuclein(α-Syn),and to explore its related mechanism.Methods SH-SY5Y cells served as control group,while those induced with A53T-α-Syn mutation were used as model group.Additional groups included PAE(150 μg/ml)group,3-MA(1 mmol/L)group,and PAE(150 μg/ml)+3-MA(1 mmol/L)group.Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 method,cell morphology was observed under an optical microscope,and protein expressions of α-Syn,LC3-Ⅱ,p62,Beclin-1,phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK),and p-Bcl-2 were determined by Western blotting.Results Compared with control group,model control exhibited decreased cell survival(P<0.01),increased α-Syn expression(P<0.001),reduced expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1(P<0.01,P<0.05),elevated autophagy substrate protein p62(P<0.05),and decreased expression of autophagy pathway-related proteins p-JNK and Bcl-2(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with model group,PAE group showed increased cell survival(P<0.01),decreased α-Syn and p62 protein expression(P<0.01,P<0.05),and increased expression of LC3-Ⅱ,Beclin-1,p-JNK and Bcl-2(P<0.05).Compared with PAE group,3-MA+PAE group demonstrated increased α-Syn expression(P<0.05).Conclusions PAE could attenuate the injury of SH-SY5Y cells induced by A53T-α-Syn and eliminate over-expressed α-Syn by activating autophagy pathway,which may be associated with the upregulation of JNK/Bcl-2 mediated autophagy pathway.
9.Epidemiological survey of knee osteoarthritis and analysis of related risk factors among military personnel in plateau regions
Pei-Jie LI ; Yong-Jie QIAO ; Ya-Fei CAO ; Jian-Kang ZENG ; Fei TAN ; Jia-Huan LI ; Rui-Ling XU ; Shuo YE ; Sheng-Hu ZHOU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1374-1381
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)among military personnel in plateau regions and to explore its risk factors.Methods From July 2023 to July 2024,a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey the prevalence of KOA and related risk factors among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China,covering different altitudes(1500-4500 m)and geographical areas(Gansu,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang).All study subjects were divided into KOA and non-KOA groups based on the presence or absence of KOA.Variables including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),education level,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury were selected for univariate analyses between groups.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analyses were included in the binary multifactor logistic regression to identify risk factors for KOA.Results A total of 3000 questionnaires were distributed,and 2854 valid questionnaires were collected,with a response rate of 95.13%.The sample included 2584 males and 270 females,with 510 cases of KOA,resulting in a prevalence rate of 17.9%.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between KOA and non-KOA groups in terms of age,BMI,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were found in gender and education level(P>0.05).Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age(OR=1.382,P=0.017),higher BMI(P<0.01),smoking(OR=1.929,P<0.01),higher military rank(OR=1.485,P=0.007),being a member of the Armed Police(P<0.01),longer service duration(P<0.01),higher regional altitude(OR=1.459,P<0.01),lower annual average temperature(OR=1.188,P=0.001),longer training duration(P<0.01),higher perceived training intensity(OR=2.450,P<0.01),and history of knee injury(OR=2.768,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for KOA.Conclusions Older age,overweight/obesity,smoking,higher military rank,being a member of the Armed Police,longer service duration,higher altitude,cold climate,longer training duration,higher training intensity,and history of knee injury are independent risk factors for KOA among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China.
10.Correlation between postoperative cytokine levels and infarct volume as well as reperfusion injury in patients with AMI after PCI
Linhui XU ; Sheng GUO ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(8):980-985
Objective To investigate the correlation of postoperative cytokine levels with infarct size and reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients having achieved success-ful recanalization after PCI.Methods Clinical data of 164 AMI patients who underwent successful PCI in our department between March 2022 and March 2024 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured at 1 d after PCI,and base on the cutoff level,the patients were categorized into a high IL-6 group(≥5.72 ng/L,93 cases)and a low IL-6 group(<5.72 ng/L,71 cases),and also into a high TNF-α group(≥5.27 ng/L,108 cases)and a low TNF-α group(<5.27 ng/L,56 cases).General information,infarct volume and reperfusion injury were compared between the groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of IL-6 and TNF-α.Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the correlation of IL-6/TNF-α levels with infarct size,while Spearman correlation analysis was utilized to evaluate their correlation with reperfusion injury.ROC curves were plotted to de-termine the predictive value of the two cytokines for reperfusion injury.Results The high IL-6 group showed significantly higher ratio of diabetes,larger proportion of reperfusion injury,greater infarct size,increased cardiac troponin I(cTnI)level,and longer PCI time than the low IL-6 group(P<0.01),and similar results were seen in the high TNF-α group when compared with the low TNF-α group(P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified PCI time(OR=3.492,95%CI:2.253-5.411),cTnI(OR=5.126,95%CI:1.104-23.787),infarct size(OR=1.178,95%CI:1.026-1.352),and reperfusion injury(OR=3.283,95%CI:1.099-9.809)as independent risk factors for elevated IL-6,while PCI time(OR=3.101,95%CI:2.027-4.742),cTnI(OR=3.498,95%CI:1.730-7.072),infarct size(OR=1.234,95%CI:1.051-1.449),and reperfusion injury(OR=3.518,95%CI:1.017-12.170)as independent risk factors for increased TNF-α.Pear-son and Spearman analysis showed that the IL-6 and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with infarct volume and reperfusion injury(P<0.01).ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC value of IL-6 and TNF-α in predicting reperfusion injury was 0.693(95%CI:0.616-0.762)and 0.681(95%CI:0.604-0.752),with a sensitivity of 60.49%and 81.25%,and a specificity of 71.08%and 78.81%,respectively.Conclusion In AMI patients after PCI recanalization,elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels are positively correlated with infarct size and reperfusion injury,and the levels can serve as biomarkers for assessing the occurrence of reperfusion injury.

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