Abstract Aim miR-141-5p expression in patients with Early Spontaneous Abortion (ESA) and its correlation with hormone levels during pregnancy were investigated. Methods A total of 70 pregnant women with ESA were selected as the research group, and 70 normal pregnant women who chose abortion for non-medical reasons were selected as the Con group. Serum β-HCG, Progesterone (P), and Estrogen (E2) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by miRNA microarray analysis. miR-141-5p expression was detected by RT-qPCR, and its correlation with serum β-HCG, P, and E2 levels was analyzed. The diagnostic value of miR-141-5p for ESA was evaluated by the ROC curve. Results Serum β-HCG, P, and E2 were decreased and serum miR-141-5p was increased in patients with ESA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum β-HCG, P, and E2 levels were negatively correlated with miR-141-5p expression levels. ROC curve showed that miR-141-5p had a diagnostic value for ESA. Conclusions miR-141-5p is related to hormone levels during pregnancy and is expected to become a new candidate diagnostic marker for ESA. miR1415p miRp miR 141 5p p (ESA investigated 7 group nonmedical non medical βHCG, βHCG β HCG, HCG β-HCG P , (P) E (E2 enzymelinked enzyme linked assay RTqPCR, RTqPCR RT qPCR, qPCR RT-qPCR analyzed 14 (P (E 1

Abstract Objective MicroRNA-29a-3p has been reported in a variety of cancers, but its role in hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear. This study was to determine the role of microRNA-29a-3p in the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from April 2013 to November 2017 were selected for this study. The cancer tissue samples of the patients were collected, and the patients were followed up for three years. The expression of microRNA-29a-3p in tissue samples was detected by in situ hybridization with fluorescent probe, and the relationships among microRNA-29a-3p and clinicopathological factors, postoperative recurrent-metastasis, survival time were studied. Immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin in tissue samples. Results Combined with HE staining results showed that microRNA-29a-3p expression was relatively high in non-cancer tissue cells (red blood cells and fibroblasts in tumor interstitial vessels), but was relatively low in cancer tissue and cells. According to the follow-up data of 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, tumor size, T-stage, tumor differentiation, postoperative recurrent-metastasis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients were significantly negatively correlated with microRNA-29a-3p (p< 0.05). Immunohistochemica results further confirmed that microRNA-29a-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin. The survival time of patients positively related with microRNA-29a-3p expression (p< 0.05). Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the combined detection of miRNA-29a-3p+Ki67+E-cadherin was larger than that of the single detection of the three indexes. Conclusions The expression of microRNA-29a-3p is closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, and it affects the proliferation and invasion. This indicates that microRNA-29a-3p serves as a therapeutic target for the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. The evidence of study designs of this study is IV using “Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence”. MicroRNA29a3p MicroRNAap MicroRNA 29a 3p p cancers unclear microRNA29a3p microRNAap microRNA 4 201 collected years probe factors recurrentmetastasis, recurrentmetastasis recurrent metastasis, metastasis studied Ki Ki6 Ecadherin E cadherin noncancer non red vessels, vessels , vessels) followup follow size Tstage, Tstage T stage, stage T-stage differentiation p< (p 0.05. 005 0.05 . 0 05 0.05) Ecadherin. cadherin. Moreover miRNA29a3p+Ki67+Ecadherin miRNA29a3pKi67Ecadherin miRNAapKiEcadherin miRNA 3p+Ki67+E indexes invasion Oxford EvidenceBased Evidence Based Evidence. Evidence” 20 00 0.0 miRNA29a3p pKi 3pKi67E pKiE 2 0. miRNAap

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o número absoluto de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas, bem como as características, de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa e avaliar o efeito desses no estado imunológico desses pacientes e seu valor diagnóstico e preditivo para tuberculose. Métodos: Foram incluídos 1.069 pacientes com tuberculose ativa, 51 pacientes com tuberculose latente e 600 indivíduos saudáveis. Foram realizadas a contagem absoluta de linfócitos T séricos e a quantificação de citocinas séricas. Resultados: Os linfócitos T estavam significativamente reduzidos nos pacientes com tuberculose ativa em comparação com os indivíduos saudáveis. A função imunológica dos pacientes diminuiu gradativamente com a idade e mostrou-se mais forte nas mulheres do que nos homens. As células Th1 expressaram maiores níveis de citocinas do que as células Th2. A análise de regressão logística mostrou que contagens reduzidas de células T CD3+, T CD8+ e NK e expressão reduzida de IL-4 e IFN-g foram fatores de influência independentes para tuberculose ativa. A análise ROC mostrou que a sensibilidade e especificidade dos valores absolutos de linfócitos T CD3+ e T CD8+ e de fatores combinados foram significativamente maiores do que as da IL-4 e do IFN-g para o diagnóstico da tuberculose ativa. Conclusões: A contagem de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas podem avaliar o estado imunológico de pacientes com tuberculose; também são biomarcadores úteis na predição e diagnóstico da tuberculose. Objetivo características Métodos 1069 1 069 1.06 5 60 saudáveis Resultados mostrouse se homens Th Th2 CD3 CD CD8 IL4 IL 4 IL- IFNg IFN g Conclusões 106 06 1.0 6 10 0 1.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the absolute number of serum T lymphocytes and cytokine levels and the characteristics of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess their effect on the immune status of these patients and their diagnostic and predictive value for tuberculosis. Methods: We included 1,069 patients with active tuberculosis, 51 patients with latent tuberculosis infection, and 600 health individuals. Absolute serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels were quantified. Results: T lymphocytes were significantly reduced in patients with active tuberculosis when compared with healthy individuals. The immune function of patients gradually decreased with age and was stronger in female patients than in males. Th1 cells expressed higher levels of cytokines than did Th2 cells. Logistic regression analysis showed that reduced CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cell counts, as well as reduced IL-4 and IFN-g expression, were independent influencing factors for active tuberculosis. ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of absolute CD3+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and combined factors were significantly higher than were those of IL-4 and IFN-g for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Conclusions: Serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels can assess the immune status of tuberculosis patients; they are also useful biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing tuberculosis. Objective Methods 1069 1 069 1,06 5 infection 60 individuals Tlymphocyte quantified Results males Th CD3 CD CD8 IL4 IL 4 IL- IFNg IFN g expression Conclusions 106 06 1,0 6 10 0 1,

RESUMO Introdução A coreografia das artes marciais é um evento esportivo de alta intensidade e velocidade. O metabolismo energético de seus praticantes é caracterizado principalmente pelo consumo anaeróbico, complementado pelo metabolismo aeróbico. As rotinas das artes marciais têm suas próprias regras de movimento particulares e o método de treinamento sistemático tem desempenhado um papel positivo no desenvolvimento das rotinas das artes marciais. Objetivo Este artigo explora o papel do treinamento sistemático por 8 semanas nas rotinas de artes marciais. Métodos 36 jogadores de coreografia em artes marciais de faculdades e universidades foram selecionados por amostragem aleatória. Os sujeitos da pesquisa acima foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental e controle. O grupo experimental adotou um protocolo exclusivo de treinamento. O grupo de controle foi treinado da maneira tradicional. Resultados Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos nos resultados dos testes de oito indicadores de velocidade. Também se observou diferença significativa entre os dois grupos nos dados de teste dos três indicadores de resistência. Conclusão O método personalizado de treinamento utilizado neste trabalho demonstrou um efeito de destaque na melhoria da velocidade e do nível de resistência dos atletas. Os resultados da pesquisa deste artigo podem fornecer uma referência para a equipe de rotina de artes marciais no aprimoramento do nível técnico profissional atlético. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Martial arts choreography is a sporting event of high intensity and speed. The energy metabolism of its practitioners is characterized mainly by anaerobic consumption, complemented by aerobic metabolism. Martial arts routines have particular movement rules, and the systematic training method has played a positive role in developing martial arts routines. Objective This paper explores the role of eight-week systematic training in martial arts routines. Methods 36 martial arts choreography players from colleges and universities were selected by random sampling. The above research subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group adopted an exclusive training protocol. The control group was trained traditionally. Results Significant differences were found between the two groups in the test results of eight-speed indicators. A significant difference was also found between the two groups in the test data of the three endurance indicators. Conclusion The personalized training method used in this paper significantly improved athletes’ speed and endurance levels. The research results of this paper can provide a reference for routine martial arts staff in improving the professional athletic technical level. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción La coreografía de las artes marciales es un evento deportivo de alta intensidad y velocidad. El metabolismo energético de sus practicantes se caracteriza principalmente por el consumo anaeróbico, complementado por el metabolismo aeróbico. Las rutinas de las artes marciales tienen sus propias reglas de movimiento y el método de entrenamiento sistemático ha desempeñado un papel positivo en el desarrollo de las rutinas de las artes marciales. Objetivo Este trabajo explora el papel del entrenamiento sistemático durante 8 semanas en las rutinas de las artes marciales. Métodos Se seleccionaron 36 coreógrafos de artes marciales de colegios y universidades mediante un muestreo aleatorio. Los sujetos de la investigación mencionados se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: experimental y de control. El grupo experimental adoptó un protocolo de entrenamiento exclusivo. El grupo de control fue entrenado de forma tradicional. Resultados Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en los resultados de las pruebas de ocho indicadores de velocidad. También se observó una diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos en los datos de las pruebas de los tres indicadores de resistencia. Conclusión El método de entrenamiento personalizado utilizado en este trabajo demostró un efecto destacado en la mejora del nivel de velocidad y resistencia de los atletas. Los resultados de la investigación de este trabajo pueden proporcionar una referencia para el equipo de artes marciales de rutina en la mejora del nivel técnico atlético profesional. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to observe its in vitro inhibitory effect on human thyroid cancer cell line SW579 through PI3K-Akt pathway. In this study, the survival of cells and the inhibitory effect of gardenia tea extract (GTE) on SW579 cancer cells were firstly observed by MTT method. Further qPCR experiments were used to observe mRNA expression in SW579 cancer cells. The active compound composition in the GTE was then also determined by HPLC. The experimental results showed that GTE had almost no effect on normal primary thyroid cells and had no toxic effect, but GTE could significantly inhibit the proliferation of SW579 cancer cells. The detection of mRNA expression in SW579 cancer cells showed that GTE could up-regulate the expressions of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 and down-regulate the expressions of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, PI3K and Akt in SW579 cancer cells. The chemical composition test showed that GTE mainly contains three compounds, namely rutin, quercetin and phloretin. It can be seen that gardenia tea can regulate the PI3K-Akt pathway of SW579 cancer cells through the effective active substances contained in it, and exert its anti-cancer effect. It is a health-care tea with good anti-cancer effect.

Green tea is one of the main teas in China, which is unfermented and retains more natural substances of fresh tea leaves. This is the preliminary study of application of'fingerprints' based on differences in component composition of green tea. Five green teas from different areas in eastern China are analyzed, which are processed by microwave-assisted solvent (ethanol) extraction method to obtain tea polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, pigments (thearubigins, theaflavins, theabrownins). The results show that the component composition of five green teas are varied from each other; based on these contents varieties, we have constructed a 'fingerprint' and applied linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to assist in the identification of these five green teas. This method does not require large, expensive instruments (such as high performance liquid chromatograph, gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, etc.), and is easy to use, which provides a new avenue for the identification of tea.

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) topical gel and dexamethasone topical ointment in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) in children. This retrospective observational study included 104 patients who had more than two episodes of oral aphthous ulcers per year and were treated with HA (n=52) or dexamethasone (n=52) from August 15, 2014 to September 3, 2018. Therapy efficacy was evaluated based on the ulcer size and pain score before versus 7 days after either therapy. The paired t-test, chi-squared test, and independent t-test were utilized for statistical analyses. There was no significant difference in ulcer size or pain score between the HA and dexamethasone groups, on day 1 or day 7. Both treatments were tolerated well and no side effects were reported. No significant differences in body temperature, respiration rate, pulse, or systolic/diastolic blood pressure were observed between the start (day 1) and end of treatment (day 7), for either treatment. HA and dexamethasone showed similar efficacy in reducing ulcer size and pain scores, and were tolerated equally well in children with RAU. Future high-quality studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors for uveitis recurrence (UR) risk in Behcet's disease (BD) patients. BD patients (n=164) with a history of uveitis were recruited, and demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory tests were recorded. Uveitis was defined as anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis referring to the “International Uveitis Study Group recommendations for the evaluation of intraocular inflammatory disease”. In total, there were 70 UR patients and 94 non-UR patients. Compared to non-UR patients, UR patients appeared to be older and presented with increased uveitis occurrence rate and times within 3 months, oral ulcers occurrence rate, as well as higher concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and serum amyloid A (SAA). Multivariate logistic model disclosed that uveitis occurrence times within 3 months, oral ulcers, TG, LDL, and SAA independently predicted higher risk of UR. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the combination of uveitis occurrence times within 3 months, oral ulcers, TG, LDL, and SAA exhibited a high predictive value for UR risk with an area under the curve of 0.983 (95%CI: 0.969−0.998). In conclusion, uveitis occurrence times within 3 months, oral ulcers, TG, LDL, and SAA might be potential predictive factors for UR risk in BD patients, which can help in prevention and management of the disease.

Abstract Avocado is an economically important crop and widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of China, whereas little is known about its genetic diversification. Twenty-six EST-SSR markers were developed based on avocado EST sequences. Molecular characterization was applied to assess the genetic relationships among different accessions. In total, nine gSSRs and nine EST-SSRs were selected to illuminate the genetic relationships within the 92 samples. Diversity parameters associated to the selected markers indicated the relatively low genetic diversity and a certain degree of inbreeding in the 92 avocado accessions. Clustering method and principal coordinate analysis clearly distinguished the accessions in accordance to the botanical races and geographic regions by molecular characterization. Moreover, the botanical race or hybrids of some unknown race accessions from different geographic origins could be determined based on known genotypes in the same cluster..

Abstract The effects of oil-water mixed frying (OWF) and pure-oil frying (POF) on changes in quality characteristics of soybean oil and chicken chop during six days of frying were comparatively investigated. The results showed that the changes in specific extinction coefficients, p-anisidine value, carbonyl value, viscosity and color of soybean oil were more pronounced in the case of POF, indicating that oil oxidative and polymeric degradation was retarded by OWF. Concerning fat content of chicken chop, lower (p<0.05) values were observed in the last three days in the case of OWF than POF. Meanwhile, OWF led to lower acrylamide formation in chops during the six days. Sensory evaluation showed that OWF provided chops with five attributes similar to those of chops fried by POF on the first day. As frying days increased, the decreases in scores for color, odor, flavor and overall acceptability were less in the case of OWF. In conclusion, OWF could be a worthwhile alternative for retarding oil deterioration and producing healthier and higher quality fried meat products.

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the detrusor overactivity (DO) model induced by visceral hypersensitivity (VH) and investigate the relationship between mast cell (MC) infiltration and DO. Materials and Methods: Sixty rats are divided into 4 groups randomly: Group 1:Baseline group; Group 2: DO group; Group 3: CON group; Group 4: VH group. The colorectal distension (CRD) and abdominal withdral reflex (AWR) scores are performed to evaluate VH. The cystometric investigation and histological test of MC infiltration are assessed. Results: The threshold pressure of CRD in the VH group is significantly lower than that in the CON group (P<0.001). At the distension pressure ≥20 mmHg, the AWR scores of the VH group are significantly higher than those of the CON group (10 mmHg: P=0.33; 20 mmHg: P=0.028; 40 mmHg: P<0.001; 60 mmHg: P<0.001; 80 mmHg: P<0.001). DO model is successfully established in the VH group (DO rate=100%). Compared with the CON group, the numbers of MC infiltration are significantly increased in the VH group, including submucosa of bladder (P<0.001), mucosa lamina propria/mesentery of small intestine (P<0.001), and mucosa lamina propria/mesentery of large intestine (P<0.001). Furthermore, more MC activation as well as degranulation are observed in the VH group. Conclusions: It is indicated that DO model can be established in the VH rats. The MC infiltration may play an important role in DO induced by VH, and may be helpful to understand the mechanisms of DO in VH patients.

Dynamic compressive and tensile properties of mortar under impact loading were investigated experimentally by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus with pulse shaping technique. Firstly, the basic principle, experimental limitations and some feasible improvements/modifications of SHPB technique used for dynamic tests on concrete-like materials were summarized briefly. And then the dynamic compressive strength, stress versus strain response, and failure modes of mortar were discussed and analyzed. Finally, a dynamic Brazilian disc test was conducted to obtain the splitting tensile property of mortar, and some typical experimental results were presented. Both compressive and splitting tensile results show that mortar is a strain-rate sensitive material. Either compressive or tensile strength enhances with the increase of strain rate, especially when the strain rate is greater than the transition strain rate, which is around 20 s-1 for the dynamic compression and 2.0 s-1 for the splitting tension, respectively. These findings are helpful to guide the design and application of concrete structures.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is involved in many physiologic processes, it often promotes metastasis, and its high expression is correlated with poor prognosis. In the present study, we analyzed the correlation between transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression and prognosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma RESULTS: We examined the expression of TGF-β 1 in 78 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry and correlated the expression with clinicopathological parameters. TGF-β1 was expressed in 37 of 78 (47.4 %) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. The expression of TGF-β 1 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and tumour recurrence. Patients with TGFβ1-positive tumours had significantly shorter survival time. In a multivariant analysis, the expression of TGF-β1 and the tumour stage were independent prognostic factors CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that expression of TGF-β1 is a novel prognostic marker for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Objective To improve the model for establishment and evaluation of detrusor overactivity in female Wistar rats. Materials and Methods We ligated the perineal urethra of female Wistar rats and then performed filling cystometry. The probability of detrusor overactivity, bladder capacity, peak voiding pressure and histological changes were investigated. Results Detrusor overactivity ratio of the obstruction group was 32.4%. Bladder capacity increased from 0.273 ± 0.036mL in control group to 0.89 ± 0.19mL in detrusor overactivity group (P < 0.001), and peak voiding pressure increased from 45.9 ± 4.1 cm.H2O to 63.5 ± 17.4cm.H2O (P = 0.007). For obstruction group, compared to no detrusor overactivity rats, detrusor overactivity rats had higher bladder capacity (0.89 ± 0.19mL versus 0.43 ± 0.09mL, P < 0.001) and higher peak voiding pressure (63.5 ± 17.4cm.H2O versus 44.8 ± 6.2cm.H2O, P = 0.005). Detrusor overactivity rats were classified according to peak voiding pressure (49.2 ± 4.2cm.H2O versus 80.8 ± 7.1cm.H2O, P < 0.001). Moreover, bladder weight increased significantly in detrusor overactivity rats (P = 0.003, P = 0.028) and detrusor histological hypertrophy was observed. Conclusions Ligating perineal urethra and filling cystometry with intra-urethral cannula approach is a simple and easily reproducible method to establish and evaluate the model of detrusor overactivity in rats.

FUNDAMENTO: O Imatinib é um inibidor do receptor tirosina-quinase que foi confirmada como exercendo um efeito inibidor sobre a atividade do receptor do PDGF, fator de crescimento plaquetário (PDGFRα e PDGFRβ). OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito protetor do Imatinib na fibrose miocárdica em acetato de deoxicorticosterona (DOCA)/ratos com hipertensão induzida por sal. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos Sprague-Dawley machos, uninefrectomizados foram distribuídos em três grupos: ratos controles (grupo CON): grupo deoxicorticosterona (grupo DOCA); grupo deoxicorticosterona e Imatinib (grupo DOCA IMA). A Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS) foi medida quinzenalmente. Foi estudada a porção apical do ventrículo esquerdo. Foram empregados: coloração vermelho sirius, coloração de hematoxilina-eosina, imuno-histoquímica e ensaio de western blot. RESULTADOS: A PAS nos grupos DOCA e IMA+DOCA foi maior que no grupo CON nos dias 14 e 28. Os animais do grupo DOCA apresentaram fibrose intersticial e perivascular grave no dia 28, e as expressões de PI, PIII, tenascina-C e fibronectina foram significativamente maiores que nos grupos DOCA+IMA e CON. Quando comparados com o grupo CON, os grupos DOCA e DOCA+IMA apresentaram resposta inflamatória de tecido miocárdico e infiltração de monócitos/macrófagos de diferentes graus. As expressões proteicas do PDGF-A, PDGF-C e PDGFRα foram significativamente maiores nos grupos DOCA e DOCA+IMA que no grupo CON, mas a expressão proteica do p-PDGFRα no grupo DOCA+IMA foi menor que no DOCA. CONCLUSÃO: O Imatinib pode exercer efeitos inibitórios sobre a fibrose miocárdica em ratos com hipertensão induzida por DOCA/sal, os quais podem ser atribuídos à inibição da atividade do PDGFR-α.

BACKGROUND: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor that has been confirmed to exert inhibitory effect on the platelet derived growth factor PDGF receptor (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of imatinib on the myocardial fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA)/salt induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Sixty male uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three groups: control rats (CON group); deoxycorticosterone group (DOCA group); deoxycorticosterone and imatinib group (DOCA+IMA group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured biweekly. The apical portion of the left ventricle was studied. Sirius-Red staining, Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay were employed. RESULTS: SBP in the DOCA group and DOCA+IMA group was higher than that in the CON group on day 14 and 28. Animals in the DOCA group showed severe interstitial and perivascular fibrosis on day 28, and the expressions of PI, PIII, tenascin-C and fibronectin were significantly higher than those in the DOCA+IMA group and CON group. When compared with the CON group, myocardial tissue inflammatory response and monocyte/macrophage infiltration of different degrees were observed in the DOCA group and DOCA+IMA group. Protein expressions of PDGF-A, PDGF-C and PDGFRα were signiflcantly higher in the DOCA and DOCA+IMA groups than those in the CON group, but the p-PDGFRα protein expression in the DOCA+IMA group was lower than that in the DOCA group. CONCLUSION: Imatinib can exert inhibitory effects on myocardial fibrosis in DOCA/salt induced hypertensive rats, which may be attributed to the inhibition of PDGFR-α activity.