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Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic treatments with Allium® metal ureteric stent (AMUS) for ureteric strictures after kidney transplantation (KT). Patients and Methods: In a prospective manner, we gathered clinical data from 68 patients who underwent endoscopic treatments with AMUS for ureteric strictures after KT between January 2019 and March 2022. The definition of surgical success was the unobstructed drainage of the AMUS, or in cases where there was AMUS migration, occlusion or encrustation and subsequently removed, there is no worsening of renal hydronephrosis in the patient during the follow‐up period. Results: Based on the specific circumstances of the ureteric strictures, three distinct types of surgery were selected for treatment. The overall success rate of endoscopic treatments for ureteric strictures following KT was 90% (61/68) during a follow‐up period of 1 year. Surgical complications included haematuria (18%), pain (10%), urinary tract infections (7.4%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (7.4%). The incidences of stent migration, occlusion, and encrustation were 10%, 2.9%, and 1.5%, respectively. Postoperatively, significant improvements were observed in various parameters. At 1 month after surgery, there was a notable decrease in blood creatinine levels (105.5 vs 90.4 mol/L), urea nitrogen levels (6.6 vs 5.4 mmol/L), and hydronephrosis volume (64.4 vs 43.9 mL). Additionally, the serum estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 49.5 to 64.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. The follow‐up results of patients at 1 year after surgery were similar to those observed at 1 month after surgery. Conclusions: Systemic endoscopic treatments with AMUS were found to be safe and effective for ureteric strictures after KT with short‐term follow‐ups. This technique offers a novel option for the treatment of post‐KT strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: The impact of fibroblasts on the immune system provides insight into the function of fibroblasts. In various tissue microenvironments, multiple fibroblast subtypes interact with immunocytes by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, leading to wound healing, fibrosis, and escape of cancer immune surveillance. However, the specific mechanisms involved in the fibroblast‐immunocyte interaction network have not yet been fully elucidated. Main body and conclusion: Therefore, we systematically reviewed the molecular mechanisms of fibroblast‐immunocyte interactions in fibrosis, from the history of cellular evolution and cell subtype divisions to the regulatory networks between fibroblasts and immunocytes. We also discuss how these communications function in different tissue and organ statuses, as well as potential therapies targeting the reciprocal fibroblast‐immunocyte interplay in fibrosis. A comprehensive understanding of these functional cells under pathophysiological conditions and the mechanisms by which they communicate may lead to the development of effective and specific therapies targeting fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Introduction: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a common problem that can affect bladder structure and function. Currently, there is no effective drugs available to prevent BOO‐induced remodeling. Previous reports have demonstrated that the pathogenesis of BOO is associated with macrophage infiltration and polarization, which is physiologically dependent on colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF‐1R) activation. Here we utilized a highly selective CSF‐1R inhibitor, GW2580, to determine its preventive effects on BOO‐induced remodeling. Methods: A total of 24 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, BOO + vehicle, and BOO + GW2580 group. GW2580 or vehicle control was administrated by oral gavage at daily doses of 40 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Bladder samples were collected for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis. Results: Our results demonstrated that bladder fibrosis was ameliorated by GW2580 compared with the vehicle group (22.01% ± 5.13% vs. 32.15% ± 7.24%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, treatment with GW2580 induced an inhibition of macrophage infiltration (4.41% ± 1.28% vs. 13.57% ± 3.42%, p < 0.001) and M2 macrophage polarization (10.67% ± 4.15% vs. 28.59% ± 6.38%, p < 0.001). There was also a decrease of profibrotic F4/80+ α‐smooth muscle actin+ (α‐SMA+) macrophage to myofibroblast transition (9.11% ± 2.58% vs. 17.33% ± 4.01%, p < 0.001) and CD163+TGF‐β1+ cells (7.68% ± 2.10% vs. 14.17% ± 4.09%, p < 0.01) in the GW2580 group when compared with the vehicle group. Conclusions: In summary, our findings showed that GW2580 is a worthwhile candidate for a follow‐up study to test in the treatment of BOO‐induced remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Objective: To outline our step‐by‐step technique for the endoscopic treatment of ureteric stricture. Materials and Methods: Between January 2019 and June 2020, 25 patients with ureteric strictures underwent ureteric bypass and were included in this study. The ureteric bypass surgery included three key steps. First, holmium laser endoureterotomy was used to establish a small channel. Then, balloon dilatation was performed to create a large channel. Finally, an Allium stent was inserted. Results: Over a median follow‐up time of 12 months, the success rate of ureteric bypass surgery was 92.0% (23/25). The median operating time was 78 min. The incidence of pain was 16% (4/25), and the incidence of fever was 4.0% (1/25). The preoperative hydronephrosis volume and urea nitrogen levels decreased significantly after surgery. Conclusions: We performed ureteric bypass for patients with ureteric strictures. This technique was found to be safe and effective over a short follow‐up time. For patients who are not suitable for surgical reconstruction, the ureteric bypass technique is a good choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...