Routine intraoperative ureteric stenting for kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Major urological complications (MUCs) after kidney transplantation contribute to patient morbidity and compromise graft function. The majority arise from vesicoureteric anastomosis and present early after transplantation. Ureteric stents have been successfully used to treat such complications. A number of centres have adopted a policy of universal prophylactic stenting at the time of graft implantation to reduce the incidence of urine leaks and ureteric stenosis. Stents are associated with specific complications, and some centres advocate a policy of only stenting selected anastomoses. This is an update of our review, first published in 2005 and last updated in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To examine the benefits and harms of routine ureteric stenting to prevent MUCs in kidney transplant recipients. SEARCH METHODS: We contacted the Information Specialist and searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Specialised Register (up to 19 June 2024) using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA: Our meta-analysis included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs designed to examine the impact of using stents for kidney transplant recipients. We aimed to include studies regardless of the type of graft, the technique of ureteric implantation, or the patient group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies (1960 patients) were identified. One study was deemed to be at low risk of bias across all domains. The remaining 11 studies were of low or medium quality, with a high or unclear risk of bias in at least one domain. Universal prophylactic ureteric stenting versus control probably reduces major urological complications (11 studies: 1834 participants: RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.55; P < 0.0001; I2 = 16%; moderate certainty evidence; number needed to treat (17)); this benefit was confirmed in the only study deemed to be at low risk of bias across all domains. This benefit was also seen for the individual components of urine leak and ureteric obstruction. Universal prophylactic ureteric stent insertion reduces the risk of MUC in the subgroup of studies with short duration (≤ 14 days) of stenting (2 studies, 480 participants: RR 0.39, 95% CI CI 0.21 to 0.72; P = 0.003; I2 = 0%) and where stenting was continued for > 14 days (8 studies, 124 participants: RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.61; P = 0.004; I2 = 29%). It is uncertain whether stenting has an impact on the development of urinary tract infection (UTI) (10 studies, 1726 participants: RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.80; P = 0.07; I² = 60%; very low certainty evidence due to risk of bias, heterogeneity and imprecision). Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of UTI did not increase if short-duration stenting was used (9 days) and that there was no impact on UTI risk when the prophylactic antibiotic regime co-trimoxazole 480 mg/day was used. Stents appear generally well tolerated, although studies using longer stents (≥ 20 cm) for longer periods (> 6 weeks) had more problems with encrustation and migration. There was no evidence that the presence of a stent resulted in recurrent or severe haematuria (8 studies, 1546 participants: RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.59 to 2.00; P = 0.79; I2 = 33%). The impact of stents on graft and patient survival and other stent-related complications remains unclear as these outcomes were either poorly reported or not reported at all. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Routine prophylactic stenting probably reduces the incidence of MUCs, even when the duration of stenting is short (≤ 14 days). Further high-quality studies are required to assess optimal stent duration. Studies comparing selective stenting and universal prophylactic stenting, whilst difficult to design and analyse, would address the unresolved quality of life and economic issues.

Deletion of Smad3 protects against C-reactive protein-induced renal fibrosis and inflammation in obstructive nephropathy.

Introduction and Aims: Elevated plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are closely associated with progressive renal injury in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we tested a hypothesis that CRP may promote renal fibrosis and inflammation via a TGF-ß/Smad3-dependent mechanism. Methods: Role and mechanisms of TGF-ß/Smad3 in CRP-induced renal fibrosis and inflammation were examined in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induced in CRP Tg/Smad3 KO mice and in a rat tubular epithelial cell line in which Smad3 gene is stably knocked down (S3KD-NRK52E). Results: We found that mice overexpressing the human CRP gene were largely promoted renal inflammation and fibrosis as evidenced by increasing IL-1ß, TNF-α, MCP-1 expression, F4/80+ macrophages infiltration, and marked accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and fibronectin in the UUO kidney, which were blunted when Smad3 gene was deleted in CRPtg-Smad3KO. Mechanistically, we found that the protection of renal inflammation and fibrosis in the UUO kidney of CRPtg-Smad3KO mice was associated with the inactivation of CD32-NF-κB and TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling. Conclusion: In conclusion, Smad3 deficiency protects against CRP-mediated renal inflammation and fibrosis in the UUO kidney by inactivating CD32-NF-κB and TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling.

Safety and Efficacy of Retrograde Pyeloperfusion for Ureteral Protection during Renal Tumor Cryoablation.

PURPOSE: To determine safety and efficacy of retrograde pyeloperfusion for ureteral protection during cryoablation of adjacent renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 155 patients treated with renal cryoablation, including adjunctive retrograde pyeloperfusion, from 2005 to 2019 was performed. Ice contacted the ureter in 67 of the 155 patients who represented the study cohort. Median patient age was 68 years old (interquartile range [61, 74]), 52 patients (78%) were male, and 37 tumors (55%) were clear cell histology. Mean tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.3 cm, and 42 tumors (63%) were located at the lower pole. Treatment-related complication and oncologic outcomes were recorded based on a review of post-procedural images and chart review. RESULTS: Technical success of cryoablation was attained in 67 cases (100%), and technical success of pyeloperfusion was attained in 66 cases (99%). A total of 13 patients (19.4%) experienced SIR major C or D complications related to the procedure, including hemorrhage (n = 4), urine leak (n = 3), transient urinary obstruction (n = 2), pulmonary embolism (n = 1), hypertensive urgency (n = 1), acute respiratory failure (n = 1), and ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) stricture (n = 1). No complications were attributable to pyeloperfusion. Three of 45 patients with biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma experienced local recurrence resulting in local recurrence-free survival of 92% (95% confidence interval, 81.5%-100%) 3 years after ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde pyeloperfusion of the renal collecting system is a relatively safe and efficacious option for ureteral protection during renal tumor cryoablation. This adjunctive procedure should be considered for patients in whom cryoablation of a renal mass could potentially involve the ureter.

Preservation of the mesureter to reduce urinary complications: analysis of data from the observational Leipzig School MMR study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of mesureteral preservation on urinary complications in the context of total mesometrial resection (TMMR), a surgical treatment for cervical cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with historic control. SETTING: Single tertiary academic centre. POPULATION: Women older than 18 with primary cervical cancer staged FIGO IB1-IIB enrolled in the prospective Leipzig School MMR study and underwent total mesometrial resection (TMMR) without adjuvant radiation. METHOD: We retrospectively analysed 100 consecutive TMMR procedures which were performed for cancer of the uterine cervix and in which the mesureter was preserved (intervention group, 01/2014-06/2017). We compared this group with the previous 100 consecutive TMMRs, which were performed before the introduction of mesureteral preservation (control group, 09/2010-01/2014). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The occurrence of urological and specifically ureteral complications. RESULTS: Mesureteral preservation was feasible and was associated with a significant decrease in ureteral complications (11% without mesureteral preservation versus 3% with mesureteral preservation, P = 0.049). Furthermore, we found a significant decrease in the number of postoperative percutaneous nephrostomies and re-operations (7% versus none, P = 0.014). There was also a trend towards a decrease in other urinary complications such as postoperative bladder atony and uretero-vaginal fistulas. CONCLUSION: The mesureter constitutes a convenient dissection plane enabling the preservation of lateral ureteral blood supply during TMMR. In our study, maintenance of mesureteral integrity was associated with a significant reduction in ureteral complications. Mesureteral preservation might also be useful in other types of pelvic surgeries that carry a high risk of ureteral damage. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Surgical preservation of the mesureter in cervical cancer patients was associated with a reduction in urinary complications.

Anti-fibrotic effects of synthetic TGF-ß1 and Smad oligodeoxynucleotide on kidney fibrosis in vivo and in vitro through inhibition of both epithelial dedifferentiation and endothelial-mesenchymal transitions.

Kidney fibrosis is a common process of various kidney diseases leading to end-stage renal failure irrespective of etiology. Myofibroblasts are crucial mediators in kidney fibrosis through production of extracellular matrix (ECM), but their origin has not been clearly identified. Many study proposed that epithelial and endothelial cells become myofibroblasts by epithelial dedifferentiation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). TGF-ß1/Smad signaling plays a crucial role in partly epithelial-mensencymal transition (EMT) and EndoMT. Thus, we designed the TGF-ß1/Smad oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), a synthetic short DNA containing complementary sequence for Smad transcription factor and TGF-ß1 mRNA. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-fibrotic effect of synthetic TGF-ß1/Smad ODN on UUO-induced kidney fibrosis in vivo model and TGF-ß1-induced in vitro model. To examine the effect of TGF-ß1/Smad ODN, we performed various experiments to evaluate kidney fibrosis. The results showed that UUO induced inflammation, ECM accumulation, epithelial dedifferentiation and EndoMT processes, and tubular atrophy. However, synthetic TGF-ß1/Smad ODN significantly suppressed UUO-induced fibrosis. Furthermore, synthetic ODN attenuated TGF-ß1-induced epithelial dedifferentiation and EndoMT program via blocking TGF-ß1/Smad signaling. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that administration of synthetic TGF-ß1/Smad ODN attenuates kidney fibrosis, epithelial dedifferentiation, and EndoMT processes. The findings propose the possibility of synthetic ODN as a new effective therapeutic tool for kidney fibrosis.

MiR-9-5p protects from kidney fibrosis by metabolic reprogramming.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally and control biological processes (BPs), including fibrogenesis. Kidney fibrosis remains a clinical challenge and miRNAs may represent a valid therapeutic avenue. We show that miR-9-5p protected from renal fibrosis in the mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). This was reflected in reduced expression of pro-fibrotic markers, decreased number of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages, and diminished tubular epithelial cell injury and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1)-dependent de-differentiation in human kidney proximal tubular (HKC-8) cells. RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) studies in the UUO model revealed that treatment with miR-9-5p prevented the downregulation of genes related to key metabolic pathways, including mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and glycolysis. Studies in human tubular epithelial cells demonstrated that miR-9-5p impeded TGF-ß1-induced bioenergetics derangement. The expression of the FAO-related axis peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) was reduced by UUO, although preserved by the administration of miR-9-5p. We found that in mice null for the mitochondrial master regulator PGC-1α, miR-9-5p was unable to promote a protective effect in the UUO model. We propose that miR-9-5p elicits a protective response to chronic kidney injury and renal fibrosis by inducing reprogramming of the metabolic derangement and mitochondrial dysfunction affecting tubular epithelial cells.

Comparison of outcomes in totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy according to nephrostomy tract sealing with fibrin versus gelatin matrix: a propensity score matching study.

To investigate and compare surgical outcomes in totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (ttPCNL) patients according to the type of sealant during nephrostomy tract closure, the records of 158 patients who underwent ttPCNL were retrospectively reviewed. Fibrin sealant [Tisseel®; n = 107, fibrin-only sealant (FS)] or gelatin matrix hemostatic sealant [FloSeal®; n = 51, gelatin matrix sealant (GS)] was applied during tract closure according to surgeon's preference. On the first postoperative day, computed tomography (CT) was scanned for all patients. Unsatisfactory radiological outcome (URO) was defined as any postoperative hematoma or urinoma (≥ 2 cm) on the CT. Unsatisfactory clinical outcome (UCO) was defined as any adverse event requiring additional intervention. Both UROs and UCOs were sub-classified as either hemorrhage or drainage related. 2:1 propensity score matching was applied according to clinical parameters. Median age was 58 (19-78) years and a mean stone size was 2.1 ± 1.1 cm. The treatment success rate (stone free or < 4 mm residual) among all patients was 91.1% (144/158). UROs and UCOs occurred in 35.4% (86/158) and 11.4% (18/158) of all cases, respectively. Neither of the frequency of URO nor hemorrhage-related UCO was different according to sealant type. However, drainage-related UCOs were more prevalent among the GS group, mainly due to the higher postoperative ureter stenting rate. The postoperative pain severity and the length of hospitalization were comparable between groups. In summary, using GS rather than FS during tract closure did not worsen hemorrhage-related outcomes. However, the clinical risk of ureter occlusion requiring additional temporary ureteral stenting was increased.

Rhein alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting tubular cell apoptosis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ureteral obstruction causes injury of the renal tissues and can irreversibly progress to renal fibrosis, with atrophy and apoptosis of tubular cells. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of rhein on the apoptosis o renal tubular cells as well as renal fibrosis using a rodent model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: UUO was induced through ureteral ligation, then animals received treatments with rhein or vehicle. The control rats only received sham operation. The renal tissue was harvested 1 week after surgery for assessment of kidney fibrosis. RESULTS: The expressions of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as the severity of renal tubular apoptosis and fibrosis were time-dependently increased following UUO. Treatments with rhein partially inhibited such responses. Renal interstitial fibrosis was associated with STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation as well as altered expressions of Bax and Bcl2, both apoptosis-related proteins. Treatment with rhein also partly blocked these responses. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that rhein mitigated apoptosis of renal tubular cell as well as renal fibrosis in a UUO rodent model. This curative effect is likely mediated via suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation.

Nrf2 signaling attenuates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and renal interstitial fibrosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Nrf2 constitutes a therapeutic reference point for renal fibrosis and chronic kidney diseases. Nrf2-related signaling pathways are recognized to temper endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fibrotic tissue. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which Nrf2 mitigates renal interstitial fibrosis is imprecise. METHODS: The relationship between Nrf2 and renal interstitial fibrosis was investigated using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of Nrf2-/- mice. The mice were separated into four groups, based on the treatment and intervention: Nrf2-/- + UUO, Nrf2-/- + Sham, WT + UUO and WT + Sham. Histological examination of renal tissue following the hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining was carried out, as well as immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, to confirm the in vivo discoveries, in vitro experiments with HK-2 cells were also performed. RESULTS: The Nrf2-/- + UUO group showed more severe renal interstitial fibrosis compared to the WT + UUO, Nrf2-/- + Sham and WT + Sham groups. Furthermore, the manifestations of α-SMA and Fibronectin significantly increased, and the manifestation of E-cadherin considerably decreased in kidney tissues from the group of Nrf2-/- + UUO, compared to the WT + UUO group. The Nrf2 protein level significantly decreased in HK-2 cells, in reaction to the TGF-ß1 concentration. In addition, the overexpression of Nrf2 presented contradictory results. What is more, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was discovered to be activated in the proteins extracted from cultured cells, and treated with Nrf2 siRNA and kidney tissues from the Nrf2-/- + UUO group. CONCLUSIONS: The results we obtained demonstrate that Nrf2 signaling pathway may perhaps offset the development of EMT, prompted by TGF-ß1 and renal interstitial fibrosis. Likewise, the anti-fibrotic effect of Nrf2 was imparted by the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling. From our discoveries, we deliver new insight related to the prevention and treatment of kidney fibrosis.

Blocking the histone lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L alleviates renal fibrosis through inhibition of renal fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Disruptor of telomeric silencing-1 like (DOT1L) protein specifically catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 on Lys79 (H3K79) and is implicated in tumors. But its role in tissue fibrosis remains unclear. Here we demonstrated that injury to the kidney increased DOT1L expression and H3K79 dimethylation in renal tubular epithelial cells and myofibroblasts in a murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Administration of EPZ5676, a highly selective inhibitor of DOT1L, attenuated renal fibrosis. Treatment with EPZ5676 or DOT1L small interfering RNA also inhibited TGF-ß1 and serum-induced activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Moreover, blocking DOT1L abrogated injury-induced epithelial G2/M arrest; reduced expression of Snail, Twist, and Notch1; and inactivated several profibrotic signaling molecules in the injured kidney, including Smad3, epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, protein kinase B, and NF-κB. Conversely, DOT1L inhibition increased expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, a protein associated with dephosphorylation of tyrosine kinase receptors, and prevented decline in levels of Klotho and Smad7, 2 renoprotective factors. Thus, our data indicate that targeting DOT1L attenuates renal fibrosis through inhibition of renal fibroblasts and EMT by suppressing activation of multiple profibrotic signaling pathways while retaining expression of renoprotective factors.-Liu, L., Zou, J., Guan, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, W., Zhou, X., Xiong, C., Tolbert, E., Zhao, T. C., Bayliss, G., Zhuang, S. Blocking the histone lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L alleviates renal fibrosis through inhibition of renal fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Use of indocyanine green to minimise uretero-enteric strictures after robotic radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of indocyanine green (ICG) for assessing ureteric vascularity on the rate of uretero-enteric stricture formation after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 179 patients undergoing RARC and ICUD between January 2014 and May 2017, and divided the patients into two groups based on the utilisation of ICG for the assessment of ureteric vascularity (non-ICG group and ICG group). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to identify the length of ureter excised. Demographic, perioperative outcomes (including 90-day complications and readmissions), and the rate of uretero-enteric stricture were compared between the two groups. The two groups were compared using the t-test for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 132 and 47 patients were in the non-ICG group and the ICG group, respectively. There were no differences in baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes including operating time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay. The ICG group was associated with a greater length of ureter being excised during the uretero-enteric anastomosis and a greater proportion of patients having long segment (>5 cm) ureteric resection. The median follow-up was 14 and 12 months in the non-ICG and ICG groups, respectively. The ICG group was associated with no uretero-enteric strictures compared to a per-patient stricture rate of 10.6% and a per-ureter stricture rate of 6.6% in the non-ICG group (P = 0.020 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of ICG fluorescence to assess distal ureteric vascularity during RARC and ICUD may reduce the risk of ischaemic uretero-enteric strictures. The technique is simple, safe, and reproducible. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our findings.

Ureteral stent versus no ureteral stent for ureteroscopy in the management of renal and ureteral calculi.

BACKGROUND: Ureteroscopy combined with laser stone fragmentation and basketing is a common approach for managing renal and ureteral stones. This procedure is associated with some degree of ureteral trauma. Ureteral trauma may lead to swelling, ureteral obstruction, and flank pain and may require subsequent interventions such as hospital admission or secondary ureteral stent placement. To prevent such issues, urologists often place temporary ureteral stents prophylactically, but the value of doing so remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of postoperative ureteral stent placement after uncomplicated ureteroscopy. SEARCH METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search using multiple databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science), trials registries, other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings, up to 01 February 2019. We applied no restrictions on publication language or status. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included trials in which researchers randomised participants undergoing uncomplicated ureteroscopy to placement of a ureteral stent versus no ureteral stent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently classified studies and abstracted data from the included studies. We performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model. We rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) according to the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcomesStenting may slightly reduce the number of unplanned return visits (16 trials with 1970 participants; very low CoE), but we are very uncertain of this finding.Pain on the day of surgery as measured on a visual analogue scale (scale 0 to 10; higher values reflect more pain) is probably similar (mean difference (MD) 0.32 higher, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 lower to 0.78 higher; 4 trials with 346 participants; moderate CoE). Pain on postoperative days 1 to 3 may show little to no difference (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.25 higher, 95% CI 0.32 lower to 0.82 higher; 8 trials with 683 participants; low CoE). On postoperative days 4 to 30, stented participants may experience more pain (8 trials with 903 participants; very low CoE), but we are very uncertain of this finding.Stenting may result in little to no difference in the need for secondary interventions (risk ratio (RR) 1.15, 95% CI 0.39 to 3.33; 10 studies with 1435 participants; low CoE); this corresponds to three more interventions per 1000 participants (95% CI 13 fewer to 48 more).Secondary outcomesStenting may reduce the need for narcotics (7 trials with 830 participants; very low CoE), but we are very uncertain of this finding.Rates of urinary tract infection (UTI) up to 90 days are probably not substantially different (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.51; 10 trials with 1207 participants; moderate CoE); this corresponds to three fewer infections per 1000 participants (95% CI 23 fewer to 29 more).Ureteral stricture rates up to 90 days may be slightly reduced (14 trials with 1625 participants; very low CoE), but we are very uncertain of this finding.Rates of hospital admission may be slightly reduced (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.55; 13 studies with 1647 participants; low CoE). This corresponds to 15 fewer admissions per 1000 participants (95% CI 33 fewer to 27 more). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this review illustrate the trade-offs of risks and benefits faced by urologists and their patients when it comes to decision-making about stent placement after uncomplicated ureteroscopy for stone disease. We noted that both desirable and undesirable effects were small in absolute terms, with findings based mostly on low and very low CoE. The main issues reducing our confidence in research findings were study limitations (mostly risk of performance and detection bias) and imprecision. We were unable to conduct any of the preplanned subgroup analyses, in particular those based on stone size, stone location, and use of ureteral dilation, which may be important effect modifiers. Given the importance of this question, higher-quality and sufficiently large trials are needed to better inform decision-making.

Rhein alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting tubular cell apoptosis in rats

BACKGROUND: Ureteral obstruction causes injury of the renal tissues and can irreversibly progress to renal fibrosis, with atrophy and apoptosis of tubular cells. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of rhein on the apoptosis o renal tubular cells as well as renal fibrosis using a rodent model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: UUO was induced through ureteral ligation, then animals received treatments with rhein or vehicle. The control rats only received sham operation. The renal tissue was harvested 1 week after surgery for assessment of kidney fibrosis. RESULTS: The expressions of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as the severity of renal tubular apoptosis and fibrosis were time-dependently increased following UUO. Treatments with rhein partially inhibited such responses. Renal interstitial fibrosis was associated with STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation as well as altered expressions of Bax and Bcl2, both apoptosis-related proteins. Treatment with rhein also partly blocked these responses. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that rhein mitigated apoptosis of renal tubular cell as well as renal fibrosis in a UUO rodent model. This curative effect is likely mediated via suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation.

Ureteric Stenting in Kidney Transplant Recipients, Gdansk Centre Experience, Poland.

BACKGROUND: The role of ureteric stenting in kidney transplant recipients is still debatable. Stenting can reduce the incidence of urine leaks and ureter stenosis, but can be also associated with specific complications, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: To estimate the influence of ureteric stenting on urological complications in kidney transplantation (KTx), we retrospectively analyzed all KTx performed between January 2011 and December 2016 in Gdansk Transplantation Centre, a total of 628 patients. Ureteric stenting was used in 502 patients (80%)-double-J (DJ) group. Catheters were implanted during the surgical procedure and left in situ for a mean time of 30 days. RESULT: The frequency of urinary leaks was 10 times higher in patients without stenting (10%). Ureter stenosis was also more frequent in the non-DJ group (8.7% vs 1.6%, P < .05). Multiple-regression modeling showed that the urinary not stenting was a risk factor for urinary leak (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0,1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.26; P < .01), ureter stenosis (AOR = 0,16; 95% CI: 0.06-0.41; P < .01), and generally reoperation after KTx (AOR = 0,46; 95% CI: 0.28-0.77; P < .01). Acute rejection and delayed graft function were equal in both groups. Mean serum creatinine concentration 1 month after transplantation was similar in both groups (1.5 mg/dL in the DJ group and 1.44 mg/dL in the non-DJ group, P > .05). UTIs were more frequent in the DJ group (22.1% vs 16.7%), but the difference was not significant. Time of hospitalization was longer in patients with UTI (34 vs 22 days, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteric stenting can protect patients from most frequent urological complications like urine leaks and ureter stenosis. The influence of ureteric stenting on UTI development is not strong in our material.

How to stent the ureter after kidney transplantation in children?-A comparison of two methods of urinary drainage.

Ureteral stenting after pediatric renal transplantation serves to prevent obstruction and urinary leakage, but can also cause complications. This study compares the complication rates of both methods. Data were retrospectively collected at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (splint group, n = 61) and Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada (JJ catheter group, n = 50). Outcome measures included urological interventions and incidence of UTIs during the first 3 months post-transplantation. The splint was removed after a median of 9 (IQR 8-12), the JJ catheter after 42 (IQR 36-50) days. Seven (11.5%) children in the splint group needed at least one urological re-intervention versus two in the JJ catheter group (P-value .20). UTIs developed in 19 children (31.1%) in the splint group and in twenty-five (50.0%) children in the JJ catheter group (P-value .04), with a total number of 27 vs. 57 UTIs (P-value .02). Nine (33.3%) vs. 35 (61.4%) of these, respectively, occurred during the presence of the splint (P-value <.001). Children with a JJ catheter developed more UTIs than children with a splint; the latter, however, tended to require more re-interventions. Modification of either method is needed to find the best way to stent the ureter.

Minimizing the Number of Urological Complications After Kidney Transplant: A Comparative Study of Two Types of External Ureteral Stents.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 types of external ureteral stents on the number of urological complications after kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from 366 consecutive transplants performed between January 2013 and January 2015 in our hospital, in which an external ureteral stent was placed during surgery and removed after 9 days. Urological complications were defined as urinary leakage or ureteral stenosis requiring percutaneous nephrostomy placement. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients received a straight stent with 2 larger side holes (type A; 8F "Covidien" tube; Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) and 169 patients received a single J stent with 7 smaller side holes (type B; 7F "Teleflex" single J stent; Teleflex Medical, Athlone, Ireland). We found a significantly higher number of percutaneous nephrostomy placements with type A stents, with 34 (17%) versus 16 (9%) in type B (P = .030). Reason for percutaneous nephrostomy placement, occurrence of stent dysfunction, and need for early removal (< 8 days) were equal in both groups (P = .397), whereas incidence of rejection and urinary tract infection were higher in type B stent group. Patient and graft survival did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the type B stent was associated with less urological complications compared with the type A stent.

Use of Corticosteroids for Urinary Tuberculosis Patients at Risk of Developing Ureteral Obstruction.

A 77-year-old man with urinary tuberculosis developed post renal anuria two days after starting an anti-tuberculosis drug regimen. He had bilateral hydronephrosis, and his right kidney was radiologically diagnosed to be non-functioning. A transurethral catheter was placed in the left ureter. No improvement in the ureteral stricture was noted during the initial three weeks of treatment; however, the stricture did thereafter improve after the commencement of oral prednisolone. In cases of urinary tuberculosis, ureteral stricture can deteriorate and result in ureteral obstruction during anti-tuberculosis treatment. Pre-emptive administration of corticosteroids may be beneficial for preventing such stricture in patients with a pre-existing ureteral lesion.

The Protective Effect of Melittin on Renal Fibrosis in an Animal Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction.

Renal fibrosis is the principal pathological process underlying the progression of chronic kidney disease that leads to end-stage renal disease. Melittin is a major component of bee venom, and it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties in various cell types. Thus, this study examined the therapeutic effects of melittin on the progression of renal fibrosis using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. In addition, the effects of melittin on inflammation and fibrosis in renal fibroblast cells were explored using transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1). Histological observation revealed that UUO induced a considerable increase in the number of infiltrated inflammatory cells. However, melittin treatment markedly reduced these reactions compared with untreated UUO mice. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and pro-fibrotic genes were significantly reduced in melittin-treated mice compared with UUO mice. Melittin also effectively inhibited fibrosis-related gene expression in renal fibroblasts NRK-49F cells. These findings suggest that melittin attenuates renal fibrosis and reduces inflammatory responses by the suppression of multiple growth factor-mediated pro-fibrotic genes. In conclusion, melittin may be a useful therapeutic agent for the prevention of fibrosis that characterizes the progression of chronic kidney disease.

[Bilateral hydronephrosis as a result of opioid-induced bowel spasm in a patient with an ileal conduit]. / Harnstauungsnieren beidseits infolge opiatinduzierter Darmspastik bei einer Patientin mit Ileumconduit.

A 47-year-old woman with spina bifida and an ileal conduit since childhood presented with left-sided flank pain, bilateral hydronephrosis and oliguria suspicious for a recurrent stenosis at the ureteral implantation site. Her history revealed a recent increase in her pain medication with opioids for treatment of neuropathic pain. After insertion of percutaneous nephrostomy on the left side and confirmation of the stenosis, open reimplantation of the ureter was already discussed with the patient. However after dose reduction of the opioid therapy hydronephrosis resolved. Thus opioid-induced bowel spasm was probably the cause for the obstruction.

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children with solitary functioning kidney: insertion of a double-J stent to avoid transient ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: Children with solitary functioning kidney, especially those with concomitant vesicoureteral reflux, are at increased long-term risk of kidney damage. Acute obstruction is a rare but relevant concern after endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux and might be more symptomatic in children with solitary functioning kidney. We hereby report our experience and routine practice in using ureteral stents for prevention of the potential acute obstruction after endoscopic correction of reflux in children with solitary functioning kidney. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to find children with solitary functioning kidney that were endoscopically treated for vesicoureteral reflux. Solitary functioning kidney was defined as congenital or acquired (contralateral renal function <10 % in dimercaptosuccinic acid scan). Data regarding age, sex, grade and side of vesicoureteral reflux, and follow-up information were gathered. A tethered double-J stent was inserted after endoscopic bulking agent injection in all patients. Stents were removed using the extraction string at 2 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 28 patients (16 females) with solitary functioning kidney were treated endoscopically and underwent concomitant double-J insertion. Reflux was grade II in 12 (42.9 %), grade III in 10 (35.7 %), and grade IV in 6 (21.4 %) patients before treatment. No complication was encountered postoperatively or at removal of the stents using extraction strings. CONCLUSIONS: Considering devastating sequelae of acute obstruction following endoscopic management of reflux in children with solitary functioning kidney, routine use of double-J stents might be a feasible and safe approach.