ObjectiveTo systematically profile and characterize the circular RNA (circRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern in the lesion epicenter of spinal tissues after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and predict the structure and potential functions of the regulatory network.MethodsForty-eight adult male C57BL/6 mice (weighing, 18-22 g) were randomly divided into the TSCI (n=24) and sham (n=24) groups. Mice in the TSCI group underwent T8-10 vertebral laminectomy and Allen’s weight-drop spinal cord injury. Mice in the sham group underwent the same laminectomy without TSCI. The spinal tissues were harvested after 3 days. Some tissues were stained with HE staining to observe the structure. The others were used for sequencing. The RNA-Seq, gene ontology (GO) analysis, and circRNA-miRNA network analyses (TargetScan and miRanda) were used to profile the expression and regulation patterns of network of mice models after TSCI.ResultsHE staining showed the severe damage to the spinal cord in TSCI group compared with sham group. A total of 17 440 circRNAs and 1 228 miRNAs were identified. The host gene of significant differentially expressed circRNA enriched in the cytoplasm, associated with positive regulation of transcription and protein phosphorylation. mmu-miR-21-5p was the most significant differentially expressed miRNA after TSCI, and circRNA6730 was predicted to be its targeted circRNA. Then a potential regulatory circRNA-miRNA network was constructed.ConclusionThe significant differentially expressed circRNAs and miRNAs may play important roles after TSCI. A targeted interaction network with mmu-miR-21-5p at the core of circRNA6730 could provide basis of pathophysiological mechanism, as well as help guide therapeutic strategies for TSCI.
Objective To address the lack of unified group standards, inconsistent rehabilitation service processes, and waste of rehabilitation resources in the field of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) rehabilitation in China, a standardized rehabilitation specifications for TSCI was established based on the 2017 expert consensus, the latest evidence-based medical evidence, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. MethodsLed by the China Rehabilitation Research Center and funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China and the Capital Health Research and Development of Special Funds, this guideline was developed by experts from multiple renowned domestic institutions, drawing on international experience and combining it with clinical practice in China. ResultsRehabilitation Guidelines and Specifications for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (2025 Edition) clarifies the terminology and definitions of TSCI and specifies standards for the entire process, including pre-hospital first aid, emergency management, clinical diagnosis, acute phase clinical treatment, rehabilitation assessment, and rehabilitation therapy. It details rehabilitation protocols such as physical therapy (motor therapy), occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, and psychological rehabilitation. Furthermore, it provides specific rehabilitation management strategies for common complications involving the respiratory system, bowel, bladder, cardiovascular system, as well as pain, spasticity, and pressure injuries. ConclusionThis guideline is applicable to medical and health institutions at all levels involved in the diagnosis and treatment of TSCI. Early, accurate, and standardized rehabilitation treatment can effectively reduce disability rates, restore limb function, and improve patients’ quality of life. The formulation of this guideline provides a significant basis for the standardized treatment and rehabilitation of TSCI patients in China.