1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
2.Potential target genes for spondylolisthesis:drugable genome analysis based on the European population-based biodatabase
Qingfeng ZHANG ; Chaoyi WANG ; Jingyan YANG ; Hanyu LI ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Huatao HAO ; Dong YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1592-1601
BACKGROUND:Spondylolisthesis is a common disease,and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat it.There is still a need to further define the pathogenesis and screen out more suitable therapeutic targets for spondylolisthesis.Mendelian randomization analysis can be used to explore the drugable genes associated with spondylolisthesis and provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.OBJECTIVE:To explore potential therapeutic targets and effective drugs for spondylolisthesis by means of pharmaceutically available genome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:Using the Finnish database,eQTLGen consortium,drug signature database,drug-gene interaction database,protein-protein interaction database,organic small molecule biological activity database and protein structure database,which contains genome and health information of half a million Finns,data on druggable genes were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and co-localization analysis with data from genome-wide association studies of spondylolisthesis to identify genes highly associated with spondylolisthesis.In addition,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,protein network construction,drug prediction and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic agents.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In this study,we identified 34 potential drug target genes that were significantly associated with spondylolisthesis,particularly the gene APOBEC3G.This gene showed a significant association with spondylolisthesis outcomes through Mendelian analysis and co-localization analysis,suggesting that APOBEC3G may be a priority therapeutic target.As for other potential mechanisms and drugs,we still need to conduct more in-depth research to determine their roles.This study used a database from a European population,which can be used as a reference for the study of population genetics in China.
3.Potential target genes for spondylolisthesis:drugable genome analysis based on the European population-based biodatabase
Qingfeng ZHANG ; Chaoyi WANG ; Jingyan YANG ; Hanyu LI ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Huatao HAO ; Dong YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1592-1601
BACKGROUND:Spondylolisthesis is a common disease,and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat it.There is still a need to further define the pathogenesis and screen out more suitable therapeutic targets for spondylolisthesis.Mendelian randomization analysis can be used to explore the drugable genes associated with spondylolisthesis and provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.OBJECTIVE:To explore potential therapeutic targets and effective drugs for spondylolisthesis by means of pharmaceutically available genome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:Using the Finnish database,eQTLGen consortium,drug signature database,drug-gene interaction database,protein-protein interaction database,organic small molecule biological activity database and protein structure database,which contains genome and health information of half a million Finns,data on druggable genes were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and co-localization analysis with data from genome-wide association studies of spondylolisthesis to identify genes highly associated with spondylolisthesis.In addition,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,protein network construction,drug prediction and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic agents.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In this study,we identified 34 potential drug target genes that were significantly associated with spondylolisthesis,particularly the gene APOBEC3G.This gene showed a significant association with spondylolisthesis outcomes through Mendelian analysis and co-localization analysis,suggesting that APOBEC3G may be a priority therapeutic target.As for other potential mechanisms and drugs,we still need to conduct more in-depth research to determine their roles.This study used a database from a European population,which can be used as a reference for the study of population genetics in China.
4.Fisher discriminant analysis of multimodal ultrasound in diagnosis of cervical metastatic lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer
Yixuan WANG ; Yue HAN ; Fei LI ; Yuyang LIN ; Bei WANG
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):103-114
Background/Aims:
The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.
Methods:
The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results:
Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%.
Conclusions
The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.
5.Para-aortic lymph node dissection with or without nerve-sparing in gynecological malignancies
Qiang WEN ; Yuyang ZHU ; Haifei ZHOU ; Li YANG ; Feng SHAO ; Tao ZHU ; Zhuyan SHAO
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e9-
Objective:
Para-aortic lymph node dissection (PALND) is a widely used treatment that causes many complications. This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nerve-sparing para-aortic lymph node dissection (NSPALND) by comparing it with conventional PALND in gynecological malignancies and to prove whether locating the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) can help reveal the para-aortic nerves.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study of the patients who underwent para-aortic lymphadenectomy from January 2020 to December 2022 at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital. All of them were divided into NSPALND and PALND groups according to whether or not nervesparing was performed. The surgical, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated.
Results:
There were 43 patients enrolled, of which, 20 patients underwent NSPALND and 23 patients underwent PALND. The para-aortic nerves were successfully revealed by locating the SHP in all 20 cases of NSPALND. The post-operative anal exhaust time in the NSPALND group was significantly shorter than that in the PALND group (2.5 vs. 4 days, p=0.006), and the incidence of acute intestinal obstruction in the NSPALND group was significantly lower than that in the PALND group (10% vs. 39%, p=0.029). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of catheterization duration, urinary retention, dysuria, as well as the number of lymph nodes removed and the para-aortic recurrence rate.
Conclusion
NSPALND can significantly reduce the rate of acute intestinal obstruction and improve post-operative intestinal function. Locating the SHP and using it as an anatomical landmark to reveal the para-aortic nerves is feasible. Its exact clinical value needs to be further studied.
6.Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of postpartum depression: a Meta-analysis
Shuang ZHENG ; Luping YANG ; Binyang HUANG ; Miao CAO ; Mengxiao LI ; Wenjun YANG ; Chunliang GUO ; Rongmei ZHENG ; Yuyang ZHANG ; Hua LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(6):568-576
BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent postpartum complications that significantly compromises women's psychological and physical well-being. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a conventional neuromodulation technique, has been increasingly used in the treatment of PPD. However, high-quality evidence regarding its efficacy and safety remains limited. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of rTMS in the treatment of PPD, thereby providing references for clinical treatment. MethodsDatabases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on rTMS for PPD, with the search spanning from database inception to February 8, 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.0.1, and the certainty of evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0. The outcomes of the Meta-analysis included the total effective rate, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score, and adverse reactions (dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions). ResultsA total of 11 studies involving 729 patients with PPD were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the total effective rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (OR=5.54, 95% CI: 3.07–10.01, P<0.01). Both EPDS score (SMD=-2.38, 95% CI: -3.39–-1.37, P<0.01) and HAMD score (SMD=2.53, 95% CI: 1.21–3.85, P<0.01) in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences. Comparisons between the study group and control group reveal no significant differences in the incidence of dizziness and headache (RR=1.47, 95% CI: 0.63–3.43, P>0.05), nausea (RR=1.46, 95% CI: 0.55–3.86, P>0.05), diarrhea (RR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.23–2.20, P>0.05), and overall adverse reactions (RR=1.30, 95% CI: 0.79–2.15, P>0.05). GRADE assessment rated the four indicators of dizziness and headache, diarrhea, overall incidence of adverse reactions, and EPDS score as "moderate-certainty evidence", and rated the total effective rate, nausea, and the HAMD score as "low-certainty evidence". ConclusionrTMS demonstrates certain therapeutic efficacy for PPD, with a safety profile comparable to conventional treatment. [Funded by Sichuan Psychological Society Research Planning Project (number, SCSXLXH202403099); Guiding Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangyuan (number, 23ZDYF0095)]
7.Integration of deep neural network modeling and LC-MS-based pseudo-targeted metabolomics to discriminate easily confused ginseng species
Meiting JIANG ; Yuyang SHA ; Yadan ZOU ; Xiaoyan XU ; Mengxiang DING ; Xu LIAN ; Hongda WANG ; Qilong WANG ; Kefeng LI ; De-An GUO ; Wenzhi YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):126-137
Metabolomics covers a wide range of applications in life sciences,biomedicine,and phytology.Data acquisition(to achieve high coverage and efficiency)and analysis(to pursue good classification)are two key segments involved in metabolomics workflows.Various chemometric approaches utilizing either pattern recognition or machine learning have been employed to separate different groups.However,insufficient feature extraction,inappropriate feature selection,overfitting,or underfitting lead to an insufficient capacity to discriminate plants that are often easily confused.Using two ginseng varieties,namely Panax japonicus(PJ)and Panax japonicus var.major(PJvm),containing the similar ginsenosides,we integrated pseudo-targeted metabolomics and deep neural network(DNN)modeling to achieve accurate species differentiation.A pseudo-targeted metabolomics approach was optimized through data acquisition mode,ion pairs generation,comparison between multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)and scheduled MRM(sMRM),and chromatographic elution gradient.In total,1980 ion pairs were monitored within 23 min,allowing for the most comprehensive ginseng metabolome analysis.The established DNN model demonstrated excellent classification performance(in terms of accuracy,precision,recall,F1 score,area under the curve,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC))using the entire metabolome data and feature-selection dataset,exhibiting superior advantages over random forest(RF),support vector ma-chine(SVM),extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),and multilayer perceptron(MLP).Moreover,DNNs were advantageous for automated feature learning,nonlinear modeling,adaptability,and generalization.This study confirmed practicality of the established strategy for efficient metabolomics data analysis and reliable classification performance even when using small-volume samples.This established approach holds promise for plant metabolomics and is not limited to ginseng.
8.Effect of Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction on chondrocyte pyroptosis and ferroptosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis
Jingya WANG ; Kang YAN ; Jian LI ; Meng WANG ; Yuyang YANG ; Yueyue YU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):49-58
Objective To investigate the effects of Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction on chondrocyte pyroptosis and ferroptosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Forty SD were divided randomly into a sham operation group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=30).A KOA model was established in the modeling group by anterior cruciate ligament transection of the right hind limb knee joint.The drawer test was used to confirm the successful establishment of the model.Post-surgery,the rats were subjected to 30 min of forced activity daily to induce KOA.Lameness and hopping movements were observed after 4 weeks,and hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed cartilage surface damage,deformation,and inflammatory cell infiltration,indicating successful modeling.The model rats were then assigned randomly to a model group(n=8),celecoxib group(n=8),and Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction group(n=8).The sham operation and model groups received 10 mL/kg of saline by gavage,the celecoxib group received 12 mg/kg of celecoxib solution,and the Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction group received 5.4 g/kg of the herbal decoction,once daily for 8 weeks.After the interventions,the rats were anesthetized,blood was collected from the abdominal aorta and serum was separated,and the knee joints were isolated.Three samples were fixed in paraformaldehyde,while the remaining cartilage tissue was reserved.Pathological changes in joint cartilage were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin O-Fast Green staining.Bone microstructure was analyzed using micro-computed tomography.Serum interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 protein levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Relative mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18,ACSL-4,FTH-1,GPX-4,and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR,and protein expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and COX-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the sham operation group,model rats showed surface damage and deformation of cartilage tissue,disordered cell arrangement in all layers,significant loss of Safranin O-Fast Green staining,and sparse and irregular trabecular bone distribution.Serum levels of the inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 were elevated(P<0.01).mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18,ACSL-4,and COX-2 were also significantly increased(all P<0.01),while FTH-1 and GPX-4 mRNA expression levels were decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in the celecoxib and Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction groups showed smoother and more intact cartilage surfaces,significantly increased cell counts,less loss of Safranin O-Fast Green staining,denser trabecular bone,and thicker cortical bone,with improved bone microstructure.Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were reduced(P<0.01),NLRP3(P<0.01,P<0.05),ASC,Capase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18,ACSL-4,and COX-2 mRNA levels were decreased(all P<0.01),and relative expression levels of FTH-1 and GPX-4 mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusions Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction can treat KOA by inhibiting chondroptosis and ferroptosis in chondrocytes,reducing serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels,and improving bone microstructure.
9.Targeting gut microbiota to improve circadian rhythm disorders:research progress
Song ZHANG ; Huanwei ZHANG ; Yuyang ZHENG ; Shengbing ZHAO ; Yu BAI ; Zhaoshen LI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1183-1188
Biological clock is a pattern of rhythms in which organisms exhibit cycles approaching 24 h in order to adapt to periodic changes in the external environment.Gut microbiota is the sum of extremely large number of microorganisms parasitized in humans and animals.Disorders of the biological clock increase the risk of metabolic diseases,and the occurrence of these disorders is closely related to the interaction with the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota.With the deepening of the understanding of the brain-gut axis,targeting gut microbiota to ameliorate biological clock disorders and associated diseases has achieved major theoretical breakthroughs and was partially applied in clinical practice,including dietary interventions such as time restricted feeding,development of microbial-related products(probiotics and postbiotics),and fecal microbiota transplantation.This article reviews the research progress of intestinal flora and rhythmicity,as well as targeting intestinal flora for the treatment of biological clock disorders,so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of rhythm disorders and concurrent diseases.
10.Staging system for renal tuberculosis and prognostic analysis of treatment at different stages
Chenhao GUO ; Xiao LU ; Yuyang ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Wei QIN ; Linping QI ; Xiumei LI ; Panfeng SHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):581-586
Objective:To investigate the staging criteria of renal tuberculosis,and to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics as well as prognostic outcomes at different stages.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 134 patients with renal tuberculosis who were admitted to the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University between January 2019 and December 2023.The study cohort included 62 males and 72 females,with a mean age of(46.63 ± 13.52)years and a mean body mass index(BMI)of(22.85 ± 3.73)kg/m 2. A total of 107 patients resided in rural areas. Sixty patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous lesions were located in the left kidney in 72 cases and in the right kidney in 62 cases. The main presenting complaints included irritative lower urinary tract symptoms in 85 patients and systemic symptoms in 92 patients. Ureteral involvement was observed in 97 patients,bladder involvement in 32 patients,and genital involvement in 9 patients. Based on computed tomography(CT)findings,the number,extent,and degree of renal destruction caused by tuberculous lesions were comprehensively evaluated in axial,coronal,and sagittal planes. The primary staging criteria included lesion diameter(2 cm)and the proportion of renal volume involved by the lesion(one-third,one-half,and two-thirds). Renal tuberculosis was classified into three stages and six subtypes:Stage Ⅰa,a solitary lesion with a diameter ≤ 2 cm;Stage Ⅰb,a solitary lesion >2 cm or multiple lesions confined within one-third of the renal volume;Stage Ⅱa,lesions involving more than one-third but confined within one-half of the renal volume;Stage Ⅱb,lesions involving more than one-half but confined within two-thirds of the renal volume;Stage Ⅲa,lesions involving more than two-thirds of the renal volume with a glomerular filtration rate(GFR)of the affected kidney <10 ml/min;and Stage Ⅲb,complete renal calcification,presenting as an “autonephrectomy”. Among the 134 patients included in this study,7 were classified as Stage Ⅰa,17 as Stage Ⅰb,20 as Stage Ⅱa,19 as Stage Ⅱb,62 as Stage Ⅲa,and 9 as Stage Ⅲb. The severity of hydronephrosis was graded as follows:mild,renal pelvic separation <2 cm;moderate,2-3 cm;and severe,>3 cm. Prior to treatment,the mean renal pelvic separation was(1.76 ± 0.92)cm in Stage Ⅰa,(1.69 ± 0.81)cm in Stage Ⅰb,and(1.10 ± 0.82)cm in Stage Ⅱa,corresponding to mild to moderate hydronephrosis. All 7 patients in Stage Ⅰa underwent ureteroscopic examination and double-J stent placement,combined with a 6-month short-course anti-tuberculosis regimen consisting of isoniazid,rifampicin,pyrazinamide,and ethambutol for 2 months(intensive phase),followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for 4 months(continuation phase). Among the 17 patients in Stage Ⅰb,13 presented with hydronephrosis and underwent ureteroscopic examination and double-J stent placement in combination with 6 months of anti-tuberculosis therapy,while 4 patients with isolated renal tuberculosis received anti-tuberculosis therapy alone for 6 months.Of the 20 patients in Stage Ⅱa,4 with hydronephrosis underwent ureteroscopic examination and double-J stent placement plus 6 months of anti-tuberculosis therapy,whereas 16 underwent nephroureterectomy. All 19 patients in Stage Ⅱb underwent nephroureterectomy. Among the 62 patients in Stage Ⅲa,60 underwent nephroureterectomy,while 2 refused surgery and were treated with the 6-month short-course anti-tuberculosis regimen. Of the 9 patients in Stage Ⅲb,8 underwent nephroureterectomy;in 1 patient,surgery was not performed due to severe adhesions in the operative field,and the patient received the 6-month short-course anti-tuberculosis regimen instead. Follow-up assessments included clinical symptoms,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),serum creatinine,degree of renal pelvic separation,and imaging findings from urinary tract CT. Efficacy was evaluated according to the following criteria:Cure was defined as clinical stability with all of the following conditions:① improvement of systemic symptoms,including absence of flank pain,fever,and lower urinary tract irritative symptoms,with normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR);② negative urine culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis;and ③ complete calcification of renal lesions and/or no evidence of tuberculous lesions at other sites. Stable disease was defined as no change in the size or extent of renal tuberculosis lesions. Progressive disease was defined as enlargement or increase in the number of tuberculous lesions or involvement of additional sites. Results:Among the 7 patients in Stage Ⅰa,follow-up imaging after treatment showed a mean renal pelvic separation of(0.44 ± 0.56)cm,which was significantly reduced compared with baseline( t = 3.909, P = 0.008). Five patients achieved cure,1 remained stable,and 1 showed disease progression and subsequently underwent nephroureterectomy,resulting in postoperative cure. In Stage Ⅰb,among 13 patients with hydronephrosis,post-treatment imaging showed a mean renal pelvic separation of(0.8 ± 0.75)cm,a statistically significant improvement from baseline( t = 5.633, P < 0.01). Six patients were cured,4 remained stable,and 3 experienced disease progression and underwent nephroureterectomy. Of the 4 patients with isolated renal tuberculosis,2 were controlled,and 2 progressed and underwent nephroureterectomy. In Stage Ⅱa,among 4 patients with tuberculous hydronephrosis,post-treatment renal pelvic separation was(1.20±0.98)cm,with no significant difference from baseline( t = -1.675, P = 0.193);these patients underwent nephroureterectomy 1-2 years later. The remaining 16 patients without hydronephrosis underwent nephroureterectomy and were cured. All 19 patients in Stage Ⅱb underwent nephroureterectomy;17 were cured,and 2 developed ipsilateral perirenal fluid collections 3 months postoperatively,which resolved spontaneously with the standard 6-month anti-tuberculosis regimen. Among 62 patients in Stage Ⅲa,60 underwent nephroureterectomy. Of these,54 were cured;1 developed a urinary tract infection within 2 weeks postoperatively;3 showed contralateral renal disease progression at 3 months;and 1 developed ipsilateral perirenal fluid at 3 months,which resolved spontaneously with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy. One patient developed solitary kidney failure 7 months postoperatively and underwent ureteral stent placement,with disease remaining stable thereafter. Two patients refused surgery and received only anti-tuberculosis therapy;during follow-up,1 patient experienced disease progression and died of disseminated tuberculosis after 1 year,while the other developed contralateral renal involvement at 3 months and received standard 6-month therapy,with disease remaining stable. Among 9 patients in Stage Ⅲb,8 underwent nephroureterectomy and were cured. One patient,with severe adhesions precluding surgery,received anti-tuberculosis therapy alone,and disease remained stable over a 2-year follow-up. Conclusions:The CT-based staging system for renal tuberculosis proposed in this study(three stages and six subtypes)effectively reflects the severity of renal lesions and clearly delineates the clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes at each stage. Stage Ⅰ patients treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs combined with double-J stent placement demonstrated favorable outcomes and high renal preservation rates. In contrast,Stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients showed poor responses to anti-tuberculosis therapy combined with drainage,with a higher risk of disease progression and relatively worse prognosis,highlighting the recommendation for early nephroureterectomy of the affected kidney.

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