Objective:To evaluate the role of the CC chemokine ligand 2/CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCL2/CCR2) signaling pathway in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced reduction of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods:Sixty clean-grade healthy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 210-250 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), group SCI, SCI+ Anti-CCL2 group (group SCI+ A), SCI+ EA group (group SCI+ EA), and spinal cord injury+ EA+ rCCL2 group (group SCI+ EA+ R). The SCI model was established using the Allen method in anesthetized animals. Group S only underwent spinous process and laminectomy without damaging the spinal cord. In SCI+ A group, CCL2 neutralizing antibody 50 μg/kg was intrathecally injected at 0, 3 and 6 days after successful development of the SCI model. On the 7th day after the successful development of the SCI model, Jiaji, Dazhui and Mingmen acupoints were stimulated with a depth of 2 mm, voltage of 12-15 mV and frequency of 2 Hz for 30 min once a day for 7 consecutive days in SCI+ EA group. In SCI+ EA+ R group, recombinant rat CCL2 2.5 μg/kg was intrathecally injected at the site of injury at 0, 3 and 6 days after successful development of the SCI model, and the remaining treatments were similar to those in SCI+ EA group. At 1 day before developing the model, 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, the mechanical paw withdraw threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured, and the motor function was assessed by BBB score. The rats were sacrificed after the final behavioral testing, and their spinal cord tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA (by Western blot or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), the expression of GFAP (by immunofluorescence), contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for examination of the pathological changes (using HE staining). Results:Compared with S group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model, the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA and GFAP was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at 7 days after developing the model in SCI+ A group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at 14 days after developing the model in SCI+ EA group, and the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA and GFAP was significantly down-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased in SCI+ A and SCI+ EA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI+ EA group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased at 14 days after developing the model, the TWL was shortened, the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA and GFAP was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI+ EA+ R group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI+ A and SCI+ EA groups, the histopathological injury were significantly attenuated in SCI group, and the histopathological injury was aggravated in SCI+ EA+ R group. Conclusions:The CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway is involved in the process by which EA reduces SCI, and the mechanism is related to the inhibition of astrocyte activation, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on ionotropic purinergic receptor 4 (P2X4R)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway during spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods:Thirty-six clean-grade healthy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 210-250 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham surgery group (S group), SCI group, and SCI+ EA treatment group (SCI+ EA group). The SCI model was established by the Allen′s method in anesthetized animals. In group S, only the spinous processes and vertebral laminae were resected, but the spinal cord was not injured. On the 7th day after developing the model, EA of Jiaji, Dazhui, and Mingmen lasting 30 min was performed once a day for 7 consecutive days, with a depth of 2 mm, intensity of 12-15 mV, frequency of 2 Hz, in SCI+ EA group. The mechanical paw withdraw threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before developing the model and 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, and the motor function was assessed using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score. The recovery of motor function was assessed using footprint analysis at 28 days after developing the model. After the final behavioral testing, the rats were sacrificed, and spinal cord tissues were harvested to observe the pathological changes of the spinal cord tissues using hematoxylin-eosin staining, to detect the expression of P2X4R and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot) and to determine contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with the baseline measured at 1 day before developing the model, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model in SCI group and SCI+ EA group ( P<0.05). Compared with S group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R and p-NF-κB p65 in spinal cord tissues was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased and the TWL was prolonged at 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R and p-NF-κB p65 in spinal cord tissues was down-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage of spinal cord tissues was alleviated and footprints were reduced in SCI+ EA group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which EA alleviates SCI may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the P2X4R/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduction in the inflammatory response in rats.

Objective:To investigate the correlations of KCNJ5 gene mutations and pathological subtypes based on 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1)/aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry with clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes in patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism undergoing adrenalectomy.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 155 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy at the Department of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, between May 2023 and May 2024. KCNJ5 mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing, and patients were stratified into KCNJ5-mutant and wild-type groups based on genetic results. The KCNJ5-mutant cohort was further subclassified into complete remission and partial remission groups according to surgical outcomes. For KCNJ5-mutant cases, postoperative tissues underwent immunohistochemical subtyping for CYP11B1/CYP11B2 expression, and were divided into the CYP11B2 mono-positive group (CYP11B1 -/CYP11B2 +) and the CYP11B1/CYP11B2 co-expression group (CYP11B1 +/CYP11B2 +). Correlations of KCNJ5 mutations and pathological subtypes with baseline characteristics, biochemical profiles, and postoperative outcomes in unilateral primary aldosteronism patients were analyzed. Results:A total of 100 patients were included in the final analysis, aged (51.1±11.0) years, including 35 females (35%). The somatic KCNJ5 mutation rate was 69% (69/100), with 69 KCNJ5-mutant and 31 wild-type cases. Compared to wild-type patients, KCNJ5-mutant patients were younger ((48.4±10.8) years vs. (56.9±9.3) years, P=0.000 2), had a higher female proportion (45% vs. 13%, P=0.004 0), exhibited lower preoperative renin levels (3.4 (1.1, 39.5) ng/L vs. 9.7 (2.7, 19.6) ng/L, P=0.009 1) and had a higher rate of complete clinical remission (55% vs. 16%, P=0.000 3). Among KCNJ5-mutant patients, 38 achieved complete remission and 31 achieved partial remission. The complete remission group demonstrated younger age ((45.6±10.2) years vs. (52.0±10.5) years, P=0.012 6), shorter hypertension duration ((6.2±6.1) years vs. (10.7±10.1) years, P=0.020 4), higher preoperative plasma (951.5 (652.2, 1 690.8) pmol/L vs. 749.8 (518.5, 955.4) pmol/L, P=0.027 7) and urinary ((86 271.4±51 873.8) pmol/24 h vs. (61 860.2±24 411.2) pmol/24 h, P=0.019 2) aldosterone levels, greater lateralization index (22.6 (10.1, 42.5) vs. 11.1 (5.1, 19.8), P=0.022 7), fewer baseline antihypertensive defined daily dose (2.6±1.3 vs. 4.0±1.3, P<0.000 1), and larger tumor diameter (1.5 (1.2, 1.8) cm vs. 1.1 (1.0, 1.5) cm, P=0.000 7). Immunohistochemical subtyping revealed CYP11B2 mono-positivity in 24 mutant cases and CYP11B1/CYP11B2 co-expression in 45. The CYP11B2 mono-positive group showed more pronounced postoperative reduction in antihypertensive defined daily dose (2.9±1.3 vs. 2.2±1.2, P=0.018 3), though no significant difference in complete remission rates (46% vs. 60%, P=0.259 8) was observed. Conclusion:In patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism, those carrying KCNJ5 somatic mutations exhibit characteristics such as younger age and a higher proportion of females compared to wild-type patients, along with significantly better surgical outcomes. Moreover, among patients with KCNJ5 mutations, those whose pathological subtype shows pure CYP11B2 expression demonstrate a more pronounced reduction in postoperative antihypertensive defined daily dose than those with co-expression of CYP11B1/CYP11B2.

Objective:To compare the preliminary efficacy and adverse events of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with or without immunotherapy in bladder preservation therapy for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) confined to the pelvis.Methods:Clinical data of 60 patients with MIBC who received CRT with or without immunotherapy for bladder preservation at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into CRT plus immunotherapy group and CRT-alone group. Survival outcomes, bladder function preservation, recurrence and metastasis, as well as early and late radiation toxicities were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rates were compared by the log-rank test. Results:In the CRT plus immunotherapy group ( n=23), the median follow-up was 20 months. The median OS and median PFS were not reached. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS rates were 95.7%, 70.7%, 70.7%, and 92.9%, respectively, and 22 patients (96%) preserved normal bladder function. Patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 had significantly higher 1-year PFS rate than those with CPS <1 (100% vs. 66.7%, P=0.004). In the CRT-alone group ( n=37), the median follow-up was 37 months, with median OS and PFS of 68 and 19 months, respectively. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS rates were 92.0%, 41.1%, 60.9% and 81.5%, respectively, and 33 patients (89%) preserved normal bladder function. Compared with the CRT-alone group, the CRT plus immunotherapy group showed a significant improvement in PFS ( χ2=4.38, P=0.036), while no significant differences were observed in OS, LRFS, or DMFS (all P>0.05). The incidence of acute hematologic toxicity in the CRT plus immunotherapy group and CRT-alone group were 52% (12/23), 27% (10/37) respectively, and late genitourinary toxicity was 22% (5/23), 8% (3/37), respectively, with no significant differences in overall acute or late toxicities (all P>0.05). Conclusions:For localized MIBC, bladder preservation with CRT combined with immunotherapy significantly improves PFS compared with CRT alone, while maintaining comparable safety. The PD-L1 status may serve as a favorable predictor for immunotherapy efficacy.

BACKGROUND:Intertrochanteric fractures of the femur are particularly common in elderly and osteoporosis patients,and treatment often requires internal fixation surgery to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. However,internal fixation surgery may occasionally fail,leading to serious problems such as nonunion of fractures,malunion,or re-fracture.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of artificial total hip arthroplasty on postoperative failure of internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur and the influencing factors of postoperative occult blood loss.METHODS:Totally 86 patients with failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur who were treated in First People's Hospital of Yangquan City from May 2019 to September 2022 and had complete follow-up data were collected. Using artificial total hip arthroplasty for treatment,relevant clinical indicators of the patient were recorded,and Harris score,visual analog scale score,and SF-36 score were compared and analyzed before and after surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on the factors affecting occult blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. Logistic regression models and neural network models were established to predict occult blood loss. The predictive performance and accuracy of the two models were compared by drawing receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Totally 86 patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were successfully treated with artificial total hip arthroplasty after internal fixation failure. (2) There were statistically significant differences in Harris score,visual analog scale score,SF-36 score,and hip active range of motion between patients before and 3,6,and 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). (3) The age,hypertension ratio,diabetes ratio,osteoporosis ratio,operation time,total blood loss,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and hemoglobin decrease in the high occult blood loss group were significantly higher than those in the low occult blood loss group (P<0.05). The proportion of bone cement type prostheses,anterior approach,and 2-3 grade hip jointspace in the low occult blood loss group were higher than those in the high occult blood loss group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender ratio,body mass index,proportion of chronic bronchitis,proportion of sides,anesthesia method,and acetabular cup diameter (P>0.05). (4) Through multivariate logistic regression analysis,age,diabetes,osteoporosis,prosthesis type,surgical approach,hip joint space,total blood loss,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and hemoglobin decrease were the risk factors for high occult blood loss after total hip arthroplasty (P<0.05). (5) After incorporating influencing factors into the logistic regression model and neural network model for predicting occult blood loss,the receiver operating characteristic curves of the two models were plotted with area under curve values of 0.882 and 0.923,sensitivity values of 0.879 and 0.886,specificity values of 0.854 and 0.908,Youden index values of 0.733 and 0.794,and accuracy values of 0.867 and 0.897,respectively. The area under curve,Youden index,and accuracy of both models were higher than those of neural network models. (6) It is concluded that total hip arthroplasty has a significant clinical effect on treating postoperative failure of internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur,with good recovery of hip joint range of motion. Age,diabetes,osteoporosis,prosthesis type,surgical approach,hip joint space,total blood loss,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and hemoglobin decrease are important factors for the high risk of occult blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. Logistic regression model and neural network model based on risk factors have little difference in the prediction results of occult blood loss,and neural network model is higher.

Objective:To evaluate the role of the CC chemokine ligand 2/CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCL2/CCR2) signaling pathway in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced reduction of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods:Sixty clean-grade healthy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 210-250 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), group SCI, SCI+ Anti-CCL2 group (group SCI+ A), SCI+ EA group (group SCI+ EA), and spinal cord injury+ EA+ rCCL2 group (group SCI+ EA+ R). The SCI model was established using the Allen method in anesthetized animals. Group S only underwent spinous process and laminectomy without damaging the spinal cord. In SCI+ A group, CCL2 neutralizing antibody 50 μg/kg was intrathecally injected at 0, 3 and 6 days after successful development of the SCI model. On the 7th day after the successful development of the SCI model, Jiaji, Dazhui and Mingmen acupoints were stimulated with a depth of 2 mm, voltage of 12-15 mV and frequency of 2 Hz for 30 min once a day for 7 consecutive days in SCI+ EA group. In SCI+ EA+ R group, recombinant rat CCL2 2.5 μg/kg was intrathecally injected at the site of injury at 0, 3 and 6 days after successful development of the SCI model, and the remaining treatments were similar to those in SCI+ EA group. At 1 day before developing the model, 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, the mechanical paw withdraw threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured, and the motor function was assessed by BBB score. The rats were sacrificed after the final behavioral testing, and their spinal cord tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA (by Western blot or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), the expression of GFAP (by immunofluorescence), contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for examination of the pathological changes (using HE staining). Results:Compared with S group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model, the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA and GFAP was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at 7 days after developing the model in SCI+ A group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at 14 days after developing the model in SCI+ EA group, and the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA and GFAP was significantly down-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased in SCI+ A and SCI+ EA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI+ EA group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased at 14 days after developing the model, the TWL was shortened, the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 protein and mRNA and GFAP was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI+ EA+ R group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI+ A and SCI+ EA groups, the histopathological injury were significantly attenuated in SCI group, and the histopathological injury was aggravated in SCI+ EA+ R group. Conclusions:The CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway is involved in the process by which EA reduces SCI, and the mechanism is related to the inhibition of astrocyte activation, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on ionotropic purinergic receptor 4 (P2X4R)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway during spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods:Thirty-six clean-grade healthy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 210-250 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham surgery group (S group), SCI group, and SCI+ EA treatment group (SCI+ EA group). The SCI model was established by the Allen′s method in anesthetized animals. In group S, only the spinous processes and vertebral laminae were resected, but the spinal cord was not injured. On the 7th day after developing the model, EA of Jiaji, Dazhui, and Mingmen lasting 30 min was performed once a day for 7 consecutive days, with a depth of 2 mm, intensity of 12-15 mV, frequency of 2 Hz, in SCI+ EA group. The mechanical paw withdraw threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before developing the model and 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, and the motor function was assessed using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score. The recovery of motor function was assessed using footprint analysis at 28 days after developing the model. After the final behavioral testing, the rats were sacrificed, and spinal cord tissues were harvested to observe the pathological changes of the spinal cord tissues using hematoxylin-eosin staining, to detect the expression of P2X4R and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot) and to determine contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with the baseline measured at 1 day before developing the model, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model in SCI group and SCI+ EA group ( P<0.05). Compared with S group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R and p-NF-κB p65 in spinal cord tissues was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased and the TWL was prolonged at 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R and p-NF-κB p65 in spinal cord tissues was down-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage of spinal cord tissues was alleviated and footprints were reduced in SCI+ EA group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which EA alleviates SCI may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the P2X4R/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduction in the inflammatory response in rats.

BACKGROUND:Intertrochanteric fractures of the femur are particularly common in elderly and osteoporosis patients,and treatment often requires internal fixation surgery to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. However,internal fixation surgery may occasionally fail,leading to serious problems such as nonunion of fractures,malunion,or re-fracture.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of artificial total hip arthroplasty on postoperative failure of internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur and the influencing factors of postoperative occult blood loss.METHODS:Totally 86 patients with failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur who were treated in First People's Hospital of Yangquan City from May 2019 to September 2022 and had complete follow-up data were collected. Using artificial total hip arthroplasty for treatment,relevant clinical indicators of the patient were recorded,and Harris score,visual analog scale score,and SF-36 score were compared and analyzed before and after surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on the factors affecting occult blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. Logistic regression models and neural network models were established to predict occult blood loss. The predictive performance and accuracy of the two models were compared by drawing receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Totally 86 patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were successfully treated with artificial total hip arthroplasty after internal fixation failure. (2) There were statistically significant differences in Harris score,visual analog scale score,SF-36 score,and hip active range of motion between patients before and 3,6,and 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). (3) The age,hypertension ratio,diabetes ratio,osteoporosis ratio,operation time,total blood loss,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and hemoglobin decrease in the high occult blood loss group were significantly higher than those in the low occult blood loss group (P<0.05). The proportion of bone cement type prostheses,anterior approach,and 2-3 grade hip jointspace in the low occult blood loss group were higher than those in the high occult blood loss group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender ratio,body mass index,proportion of chronic bronchitis,proportion of sides,anesthesia method,and acetabular cup diameter (P>0.05). (4) Through multivariate logistic regression analysis,age,diabetes,osteoporosis,prosthesis type,surgical approach,hip joint space,total blood loss,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and hemoglobin decrease were the risk factors for high occult blood loss after total hip arthroplasty (P<0.05). (5) After incorporating influencing factors into the logistic regression model and neural network model for predicting occult blood loss,the receiver operating characteristic curves of the two models were plotted with area under curve values of 0.882 and 0.923,sensitivity values of 0.879 and 0.886,specificity values of 0.854 and 0.908,Youden index values of 0.733 and 0.794,and accuracy values of 0.867 and 0.897,respectively. The area under curve,Youden index,and accuracy of both models were higher than those of neural network models. (6) It is concluded that total hip arthroplasty has a significant clinical effect on treating postoperative failure of internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur,with good recovery of hip joint range of motion. Age,diabetes,osteoporosis,prosthesis type,surgical approach,hip joint space,total blood loss,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and hemoglobin decrease are important factors for the high risk of occult blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. Logistic regression model and neural network model based on risk factors have little difference in the prediction results of occult blood loss,and neural network model is higher.

Objective:To investigate the correlations of KCNJ5 gene mutations and pathological subtypes based on 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1)/aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry with clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes in patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism undergoing adrenalectomy.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 155 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy at the Department of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, between May 2023 and May 2024. KCNJ5 mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing, and patients were stratified into KCNJ5-mutant and wild-type groups based on genetic results. The KCNJ5-mutant cohort was further subclassified into complete remission and partial remission groups according to surgical outcomes. For KCNJ5-mutant cases, postoperative tissues underwent immunohistochemical subtyping for CYP11B1/CYP11B2 expression, and were divided into the CYP11B2 mono-positive group (CYP11B1 -/CYP11B2 +) and the CYP11B1/CYP11B2 co-expression group (CYP11B1 +/CYP11B2 +). Correlations of KCNJ5 mutations and pathological subtypes with baseline characteristics, biochemical profiles, and postoperative outcomes in unilateral primary aldosteronism patients were analyzed. Results:A total of 100 patients were included in the final analysis, aged (51.1±11.0) years, including 35 females (35%). The somatic KCNJ5 mutation rate was 69% (69/100), with 69 KCNJ5-mutant and 31 wild-type cases. Compared to wild-type patients, KCNJ5-mutant patients were younger ((48.4±10.8) years vs. (56.9±9.3) years, P=0.000 2), had a higher female proportion (45% vs. 13%, P=0.004 0), exhibited lower preoperative renin levels (3.4 (1.1, 39.5) ng/L vs. 9.7 (2.7, 19.6) ng/L, P=0.009 1) and had a higher rate of complete clinical remission (55% vs. 16%, P=0.000 3). Among KCNJ5-mutant patients, 38 achieved complete remission and 31 achieved partial remission. The complete remission group demonstrated younger age ((45.6±10.2) years vs. (52.0±10.5) years, P=0.012 6), shorter hypertension duration ((6.2±6.1) years vs. (10.7±10.1) years, P=0.020 4), higher preoperative plasma (951.5 (652.2, 1 690.8) pmol/L vs. 749.8 (518.5, 955.4) pmol/L, P=0.027 7) and urinary ((86 271.4±51 873.8) pmol/24 h vs. (61 860.2±24 411.2) pmol/24 h, P=0.019 2) aldosterone levels, greater lateralization index (22.6 (10.1, 42.5) vs. 11.1 (5.1, 19.8), P=0.022 7), fewer baseline antihypertensive defined daily dose (2.6±1.3 vs. 4.0±1.3, P<0.000 1), and larger tumor diameter (1.5 (1.2, 1.8) cm vs. 1.1 (1.0, 1.5) cm, P=0.000 7). Immunohistochemical subtyping revealed CYP11B2 mono-positivity in 24 mutant cases and CYP11B1/CYP11B2 co-expression in 45. The CYP11B2 mono-positive group showed more pronounced postoperative reduction in antihypertensive defined daily dose (2.9±1.3 vs. 2.2±1.2, P=0.018 3), though no significant difference in complete remission rates (46% vs. 60%, P=0.259 8) was observed. Conclusion:In patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism, those carrying KCNJ5 somatic mutations exhibit characteristics such as younger age and a higher proportion of females compared to wild-type patients, along with significantly better surgical outcomes. Moreover, among patients with KCNJ5 mutations, those whose pathological subtype shows pure CYP11B2 expression demonstrate a more pronounced reduction in postoperative antihypertensive defined daily dose than those with co-expression of CYP11B1/CYP11B2.