Left ventricular global longitudinal strain using a novel fully automated method: A head-to-head comparison with a manual layer-specific strain and establishment of normal reference ranges.

BACKGROUND: A novel automated method for measuring left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) along the endocardium has advantages in terms of its rapid application and excellent reproducibility. However, it remains unclear whether the available normal range for conventional GLS using the manual method is applicable to the automated GLS method. This study aimed to compare automated GLS head-to-head with manual layer-specific GLS, and to identify whether a specialized normal reference range for automated GLS is needed and explore the main determinants. METHODS: In total, 1683 healthy volunteers (men, 43%; age, 18-80 years) were prospectively enrolled from 55 collaborating laboratories. LV GLS was measured using both manual layer-specific and automated methods. RESULTS: Automated GLS was higher than endocardial, mid-myocardial, and epicardial GLS. Women had a higher automated GLS than men. GLS had no significant age dependency in men, but first increased and then decreased with age in women. Accordingly, sex- and age-specific normal ranges for automated GLS were proposed. Moreover, GLS appeared to have different burdens in relation to dominant determinants between the sexes. GLS in men showed no dominant determinants; however, GLS in women correlated with age, body mass index, and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Using the novel automated method, was LV GLS higher than when using the manual GLS method. The normal ranges of automated GLS stratified according to sex and age were provided, with dominant determinants showing sex disparities that require full consideration in clinical practice.

Normal reference values for mitral annular plane systolic excursion by motion-mode and speckle tracking echocardiography: a prospective, multicentre, population-based study.

AIMS: Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) is a simple and reliable index for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function, particularly in patients with poor image quality; however, the lack of reference values limits its widespread use. This study aimed to establish the normal ranges for MAPSE measured using motion-mode (M-mode) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and to explore its principal determinants. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study included 1952 healthy participants [840 men (43%); age range, 18-80 years] from 55 centres. MAPSE was measured using M-mode echocardiography and 2D-STE. The results showed that women had a higher MAPSE than men and MAPSE decreased with age. The age- and sex-specific reference values for MAPSE were established for these two methods. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that MAPSE on M-mode echocardiography correlated with age and MAPSE on 2D-STE with age, blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and LV volume. Moreover, MAPSE measured by 2D-STE correlated more strongly with global longitudinal strain compared with that measured using M-mode echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Normal MAPSE reference values were established based on age and sex. BP, heart rate, and LV volume are potential factors that influence MAPSE and should be considered in clinical practice. Normal values are useful for evaluating LV longitudinal systolic function, especially in patients with poor image quality, and may further facilitate the use of MAPSE in routine assessments.

Novel compound heterozygous variants in the LHX3 gene caused combined pituitary hormone deficiency: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Combined pituitary hormone deficiency 3 (CPHD3; OMIM: 221750) is caused by mutations within the LHX3 gene (OMIM: 600577), which located on the subtelomeric region of chromosome 9 at band 9q34.3, has seven coding exons and six introns. LIM homeobox (LHX) 3 protein is the key regulator of pituitary development in fetal life. CASE SUMMARY: We have diagnosed and treate an 11-year-old boy with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). The main clinical manifestations were pituitary hormone deficiency, hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis, pituitary dwarfism, gonadal dysplasia, micropenis, clonic convulsion, and mild facial dysmorphic features. We collected peripheral blood from the patient, the patient's older brother, as well as their parents, and sequenced them by using high-throughput whole-exosome sequencing, which was verified by Sanger sequencing. The results showed that there were two compound heterozygous variants of c.613G>C (p.V205L) and c.220T>C (p.C74R) in the LHX3 gene. c.613G>C (p.V205L) was inherited from his mother and c.220T>C (p.C74R) from his father. His brother also has both variants and symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study reported ununreported genetic mutations of LHX3, and recorded the treatment process of the patients, providing data for the diagnosis and treatment of CPHD.

Two novel mutations in the VPS33B gene in a Chinese patient with arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction and cholestasis syndrome 1: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The VPS33B (OMIM: 608552) gene is located on chromosome 15q26.1. We found a female infant with autosomal recessive arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction and cholestasis syndrome 1 (ARCS1) caused by mutation in VPS33B. The child was diagnosed with ARCS1 (OMIM: 208085) after the whole exome sequencing revealed two heterozygous mutations (c.96+1G>C, c.242delT) in the VPS33B gene. CASE SUMMARY: We report a Chinese female infant with neonatal cholestasis disorder, who was eventually diagnosed with ARCS1 by genetic analysis. Genetic testing revealed two new mutations (c.96+1G>C and c.242delT) in VPS33B, which is the causal gene. The patient was compound heterozygous, and her parents were both heterozygous. CONCLUSION: This study extends the mutational spectrum of the VPS33B gene to provide a molecular basis for the etiological diagnosis of ARCS1 and for genetic counseling of the family.

Clinical manifestations and gene analysis of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This case report describes a child with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS, OMIM: 176670) caused by LMNA (OMIM: 150330) gene mutation, and we have previously analyzed the clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of this case. After 1-year treatment and follow-up, we focus on analyzing the changes in the clinical manifestations and genetic diagnosis of the patient. CASE SUMMARY: In April 2020, a 2-year-old boy with HGPS was found to have an abnormal appearance, and growth and development lagged behind those of children of the same age. The child's weight did not increase normally, the veins of the head were clearly visible, and he had shallow skin color and sparse yellow hair. Peripheral blood DNA samples obtained from the patient and his parents were sequenced using high-throughput whole-exosome sequencing, which was verified by Sanger sequencing. The results showed that there was a synonymous heterozygous mutation of C.1824 C>T (P. G608G) in the LMNA gene. CONCLUSION: Mutation of the LMNA gene provides a molecular basis for diagnosis of HGPS and genetic counseling of the family.

Predictive Value of Gray-Matter-White-Matter Ratio on Brain Computed Tomography for Delayed Encephalopathy after Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: This study is aimed at determining the predictive value of the gray-matter-white-matter ratio (GWR) on brain computed tomography for delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (DEACMP). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study reviewed 352 patients with acute CO poisoning and who underwent the brain computed tomography test. These patients were admitted to Cangzhou Central Hospital from May 2010 to May 2020. The patients were divided into the DEACMP (n = 16) and non-DEACMP (n = 336) groups. Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed for correlation analysis. The predictive value of GWR for DEACMP was evaluated by using logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic curves. RESULTS: The morbidity of DEACMP was 4.5% (16/352). The GWR-basal ganglia, GWR-cerebrum, and GWR-average in the DEACMP group were lower than those in the non-DEACMP group. Correlation analysis indicated that GWR-basal ganglia (r = 0.276; P < 0.001), GWR-cerebrum (r = 0.163; P = 0.002), and GWR-average (r = 0.200; P < 0.001) were correlated with DEACMP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that reduced GWR-basal ganglia, GWR-cerebrum, and GWR-average were independent risk factors (P < 0.001; P = 0.008; P = 0.001; respectively). Compared with GWR-cerebrum and GWR-average, GWR-basal ganglia had a higher area under the curve of 0.881 (95% confidence interval: 0.783-0.983) with sensitivity and specificity of 93.8% and 68.7%, respectively. The cut-off value of GWR-basal ganglia was 1.055. CONCLUSION: GWR, especially GWR-basal ganglia, is an early useful predictor for DEACMP.

Giant primitive neuroectodermal pelvic tumour: a case report and literature review.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) are rare malignant small round cell tumours. Notably, despite widespread reports of PNET in multiple parts of the body, it is extremely rare in the pelvis. Here, a rare case of giant PNET of the pelvis, that was treated with surgical intervention comprising hemipelvectomy and amputation, is reported. A 42-year-old female patient presented with an enlarged mass on the left hip and severe pain in the left lower extremity for the previous 6 months. Preoperative imaging examinations indicated an irregular soft tissue-like signal shadow sized 19 × 15 × 12 cm at the left ilium and sacrum. After surgical intervention involving left hemipelvectomy and amputation, the tumour was diagnosed by pathology as PNET. During the courses of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, local recurrence and distant metastasis occurred, and the patient died 9 months following surgical treatment. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current case is the largest pelvic PNET resection reported to date. Pelvic PNET is extremely malignant and has a high mortality rate regardless of surgical treatment, however, surgical resection of the lesion may relieve the symptoms, extend life, and improve quality of life to a certain extent.

Extreme lateral interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the minimally invasive treatment of thoracic tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: As a minimally invasive intervertebral fusion technique popularized in recent years, extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) has various advantages. In this study, we describe the application and efficacy of XLIF for the treatment of thoracic tuberculosis (TB), as this may be an emerging treatment option for thoracic TB in the future. METHODS: We present the case of a 75-year-old man who had suffered from chest and back pain for 1 month. Imaging studies showed destruction of the T12 and L1 vertebral bodies and the T12-L1 intervertebral disc, accompanied by formation of a paravertebral abscess. After 2 weeks of standard anti-TB treatment, the patient underwent debridement of the lesions, XLIF, and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. RESULTS: The patient's chest and back pain were significantly alleviated after the operation. The patient recovered well, and as of the most recent follow-up had no obvious limitation in thoracolumbar spine function. CONCLUSIONS: XLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of thoracic TB can allow for TB lesion debridement, discectomy, and interbody fusion under direct visualization, and can effectively improve patient prognosis.

Prognostic Values of the Gray-to-White Matter Ratio on Brain Computed Tomography Images for Neurological Outcomes after Cardiac Arrest: A Meta-Analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for all relevant articles published before March 31, 2020, without any language restrictions. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model using Stata 14.0 software. RESULT: A total of 24 eligible studies with 2812 CA patients were recruited in the meta-analysis. The pooled result showed that decreased GWR was correlated with poor neurological outcomes after CA (OR = 11.28, 95% CI: 6.29-20.21, and P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 71.5%, P < 0.001). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47-0.68) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.87-0.98), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of GWR was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80-0.87). Compared with GWR (cerebrum) and GWR (average), GWR using the basal ganglion level of brain CT had the highest AUC of 0.87 (0.84-0.90). Subgroup analysis indicated that heterogeneity may be derived from the time of CT measurement, preset specificity, targeted temperature management, or proportion of cardiac etiology. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the result was stable, and Deeks' plot showed no possible publication bias (P = 0 .64). CONCLUSION: Current research suggests that GWR, especially using the basal ganglion level of brain CT, is a useful parameter for determining neurological outcomes after CA.

Efficacy evaluation of three-dimensional printing assisted osteotomy guide plate in accurate osteotomy of adolescent cubitus varus deformity.

BACKGROUND: This present study is aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing assisted osteotomy guide plate in accurate osteotomy of adolescent cubitus varus deformity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (15 males and 10 females) with the cubitus varus deformity from June 2014 to December 2017 were included in this study and were enrolled into the conventional group (n = 11) and 3D printing group (n = 14) according to the different surgical approaches. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, osteotomy degrees, osteotomy end union time, and postoperative complications between the two groups were observed and recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the conventional group, the 3D printing group has the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, higher rate of excellent correction, and higher rate of the parents' excellent satisfaction with appearance after deformity correction (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.019, P = 0.023). Nevertheless, no significant difference was presented in postoperative carrying angle of the deformed side and total complication rate between the two groups (P = 0.626, P = 0.371). CONCLUSIONS: The operation assisted by 3D printing osteotomy guide plate to correct the adolescent cubitus varus deformity is feasible and effective, which might be an optional approach to promote the accurate osteotomy and optimize the efficacy.

Ipsilateral radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve injury caused by crush syndrome due to alcohol intoxication: A case report.

RATIONALE: Autologous peripheral nerve injury caused by crush syndrome due to alcohol intoxication is relatively rare, and to our knowledge, the compression of 3 upper limb nerves at the same time has not been reported previously. If a compressive peripheral nerve injury is not treated in a timely manner, it is difficult to recover neurological function, and the prognosis is poor. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we present a case of a 50-year-old man with ipsilateral radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve injuries caused by autogenous compression after drunkenness. DIAGNOSIS: Electromyography and nerve conduction studies suggested peripheral nerve injury in the left upper limb. The diagnosis was injury to the radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve in the left upper arm. INTERVENTIONS: Exploratory neurolysis surgery of the radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve was performed in the left upper arm. Postoperative oral neurotrophic drugs were administered, and functional exercise was performed. OUTCOMES: After timely diagnosis and treatment, the strength of the left upper arm muscle recovered, and the prognosis of neurological function was satisfactory during 3 years of follow-up sessions. LESSONS: In the treatment of such patients, a comprehensive understanding of their medical history and a strict physical examination should be performed. Combined with neuroelectrophysiological and imaging examination, the diagnosis can be confirmed. After timely diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is mostly excellent.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as an early predictor for patients with acute paraquat poisoning: A retrospective analysis.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be used as an early predictor of 90-day survival in patients with acute paraquat (PQ) poisoning.This study enrolled 105 patients with acute PQ poisoning admitted from May 2012 to May 2018. Kaplan-Meier curve, receiver operating characteristic curve, and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to investigate the predictive value of NLR for 90-day survival of patients with acute PQ poisoning.The 90-day survival rate was 40.95% (43/105). Survivors had lower NLR (P <.001), which was an independent predictor of 90-day survival according to the Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. The area under the NLR curve was 0.842 (95% CI: 0.767-0.917, P <.001) in predicting 90-day survival.Our findings showed that low NLR was a valuable early predictor of 90-day survival in patients with acute PQ poisoning.

Progress of the Anterior Transpedicular Screw in Lower Cervical Spine: A Review.

The anterior transpedicular screws (ATPS) fixation is a valuable discovery in the field of lower cervical spine (LCS) reconstruction, as it has the advantages of both anterior and posterior approaches. In recent years, with in-depth research on ATPS fixation related to anatomy, biomechanical tests, and clinical applications, its firm stability and excellent biomechanical properties have been recognized by more and more surgeons. Although ATPS fixation has been gradually applied in clinic settings under the promotion of emerging distinctive instruments, its long-term efficacy still needs to be further clarified due to the lack of large sample size studies and long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, it is believed that with the maturity of digital devices and the development of precision medicine, ATPS fixation has a promising prospect.

Proton pump inhibitor use does not increase dementia and Alzheimer's disease risk: An updated meta-analysis of published studies involving 642305 patients.

Recent studies have indicated an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) among people who consume proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but the results of those studies are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the correction risk of dementia and AD among PPI users. The literature search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBase and ScienceDirect. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the relationship between the PPIs and risk of dementia and AD. Ten independent studies that involved 642305 participants were included in this meta-analysis. PPI users were unassociated with dementia (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.92-1.15; I2 = 95.6%, p < 0.001) and AD (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.83-1.09; I2 = 80.7%, p <0 .001). No evidence of publication bias was detected by Begg's and Egger's test. Sensitivity analyses showed no important differences in the estimates of effects. The current evidence indicates that PPI use does not increase dementia and AD risk. The remarkable heterogeneity among the studies warrants a further review of our findings.

Base excess in predicting the prognosis of patients with paraquat poisoning: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although the prognostic significance of base excess (BE) in patients with paraquat (PQ) poisoning has been investigated for several years, the results remain controversial. Thus, we performed for the first time a comprehensive meta-analysis to explore the value of BE in predicting the prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify all relevant papers that were published up to August 2018. The data were extracted for pooled analysis, heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis, publication bias analysis, and subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Pooled analysis revealed that a decreased BE is correlated with poor mortality (pooled OR = 21.358, 95% CI: 12.716-35.873, P < .001). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 78% (95% CI: 0.66-0.86), 88% (95% CI: 0.66-0.97), 6.6 (95% CI: 2.2-19.9), 0.25 (95% CI: 0.18-0.36), and 26 (10-69), respectively. No publication bias was detected by Egger test (P = .263) and Begg test (P = .462). Sensitivity analyses indicated no important differences among the estimates of effects. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that BE is useful for predicting the prognosis of PQ poisoning.

Efficacy and Prognosis of 3D Printing Technology in Treatment of High-Energy Trans-Syndesmotic Ankle Fracture Dislocation - "Log-Splitter" Injury.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to retrospectively assess the feasibility and efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of high-energy trans-syndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation - "log-splitter" injury - and to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 29 patients (17 males and 12 females; mean age, 44.0±13.2 years) with log-splitter injury from June 2011 to December 2016, divided into a routine group (n=13) and a 3D printing group (n=16) according to the surgical method used. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, fracture union time, functional outcomes based on AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) score, and postoperative complications were observed and recorded. RESULTS Compared with the routine treatment group, 3D printing technology had better safety and efficacy for the treatment of log-splitter injury and the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, fewer fluoroscopies needed, and higher rate of good functional outcome (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.017, respectively). However, no significant difference was noted in the rate of anatomical reduction, mean AOFAS score at the last follow-up (mean time, 19.9±2.8 months), or postoperative complications between the 2 groups (P=0.370, P=0.156, and P=0.485, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Surgery assisted by 3D printing technology to treat log-splitter injury is feasible and effective, and may be a good optional approach to formulate a reasonable personalized surgical plan and to optimize the outcomes.

Platelet-lymphocyte ratio is not a prognostic predictor for acute paraquat-intoxicated patients: A retrospective analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic predictive value of the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with acute paraquat (PQ) intoxication.A total of 107 patients with acute PQ intoxication via oral ingestion were admitted in Cangzhou Central Hospital from May 2012 to September 2018. Valuable detection indices were screened out by using Cox proportional hazard regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, and their diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier curve.The 90-day mortality was 58.9% (63/107). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that PLR was not associated with 90-day survival (log-rank test; P = .661). In Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, PLR was not an independent risk factor. Meanwhile, the ROC curves showed that PLR had an AUC value of 0.569 (95% confidence interval: 0.459-0.679, P = .227) in predicting 90-day survival.PLR is not a prognostic predictor for patients with acute PQ intoxication.

Multiple regulatory effects of angiotensin II on the large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated potassium channel in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) tension. Angiotensin II (Ang II) as the main effector molecule of RAS can increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and cause VSMCs contraction by activating angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). The large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channel is an essential potassium channel in VSMCs, playing an important role in maintaining membrane potential and intracellular potassium-calcium balance. The BK channel in VSMCs mainly consists of α and ß1 subunits. Functional BKα subunits contain voltage-sensors and Ca2+ binding sites. Hence, increase in the membrane potential or intracellular Ca2+ concentration can trigger the opening of the BK channel by mediating transient K+ outward current in a negative regulatory manner. However, increasing evidence has shown that although Ang II can raise the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, it also inhibits the expression and function of the BK channel by activating the PKC pathway, internalizing AT1R-BKα heterodimer, or dissociating α and ß1 subunits. Under some specific conditions, Ang II can also activate the BK channel, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms underlying the inhibitory or activating effect of Ang II on the BK channel, hoping that it could provide a theoretical basis for improving intracellular ion imbalance.

Three-Dimensional Printing-Assisted Cervical Anterior Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation of Artificial Vertebral Body for Cervical Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical tuberculosis accounts for only 4.2%-12% of the total incidence of spinal tuberculosis cases. Although antituberculosis drugs have been the mainstay treatment of cervical tuberculosis, they have been ineffective against the symptoms of existing spinal deformities and spinal cord compression, which often require surgical intervention. The conventional surgical methods have been anterior debridement and titanium mesh, cage bone graft fusion and internal fixation. However, all have certain deficiencies regarding the stability of fixation. CASE DESCRIPTION: We have presented the case of a 41-year-old Chinese man who had been experiencing neck pain and stiffness for 1 month. The symptoms had been accompanied by low-grade fever and repeated night sweats. The purified protein derivative test result was positive and the antituberculosis test result was negative. Imaging examination showed destruction of the C5 and C6 vertebral bodies and C5 andC6 intervertebral discs, with an intensive abscess at the C5-C6 vertebral level. After 3-dimensional printing-assisted anterior debridement and artificial vertebral body replacement, his preoperative symptoms of neck pain and stiffness had been alleviated. Also, his symptoms of numbness in both upper limbs had disappeared completely. At the last follow-up examination, he had recovered well and the tuberculosis focus had been completely cured. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first clinical application of 3-dimensional printing-assisted cervical anterior bilateral pedicle screw fixation of an artificial vertebral body. We accomplished ultrashort segment fixation, with excellent clinical outcomes obtained, which were maintained at the recent 2-year follow-up examination.

[Angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody induces myocardial fibrosis by activating cardiac fibroblasts].

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an important pathological process of cardiac remodeling in patients with heart failure; however its etiology has not been clear. It has been known that the angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) is present in patients with heart failure, but it is unclear whether this antibody directly causes MF. In this study, we investigated the role of AT1-AA in MF and its effects on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The AT1-AA positive rat model was established by active immunization method, and the measurement of indexes were made in the 8th week after active immunity. The results of heart echocardiography showed that the cardiac systolic and diastolic functions of AT1-AA positive rats were impaired with reduced left ventricular wall thickness and enlarged heart chambers. HE staining results showed that the myocardial fibers were disorganized and ruptured, and Masson staining revealed that the area of collagen fibers around the myocardium and coronary arteries was significantly increased in AT1-AA positive group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, primary CFs isolated from neonatal rats were cultured and treated with AT1-AA for 48 h. CCK-8 and immunofluorescence staining results showed that AT1-AA enhanced proliferation rate of CFs (P < 0.001), and Western blot results showed that AT1-AA significantly increased expressions of collagen I (Col I), Col III, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in CFs (all P < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that AT1-AA may induce MF and cardiac dysfunction via activating CFs.