Comparison of Visual Prostate Symptom Score(Chinese version)and International Prostate Symptom Score in the evaluation of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
[Journal Article]DUAN Xiaolei, YAO Hui, XIANG Xin et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study is to examine the Chinese version of Visual Prostate Symptom Score(CVPSS)and the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH pa-tients.Methods By using convenient sampling,inpatients in the urology department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Shanghai were selected as the survey subjects from March 2023 to March 2024.The lower urinary tract symptoms of the patients were eval-uated using the self-designed general information questionnaire.And the CVPSS and IPSS with their urine flow rate were meas-ured.A comparative analysis was conducted from aspects such as internal consistency,correlation of item scores,completion time of the scale,and assistance rate.Results A total of 246 patients with BPH were recruited.The total score and life quality score were 13.93±3.55 and 4.23±1.02 by CVPSS.And the total score and life quality by IPSS was 18.33±7.55 and 4.36±1.02,respectively.The Cronbach's α coefficient were 0.761 and 0.787,respectively.The time taken on CVPSS was less than that on IPSS(P<0.01).And the rate of needing assistance was 23.58%for CVPSS,which was significantly lower than that(65.24%)for IPSS.Conclusion CVPSS is significantly correlated with the corresponding items and total scores of IPSS,as well as the quality of life.Moreover,it takes less time and can be used as a simple and effective self-assessment tool for lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly BPH patients with lower education levels.It reduces the burden of medical staffs as well.

Application of perioperative bundled nursing measures in robot assisted radical prostatectomy
[Journal Article]LIU Wei, CHEN Yuhao, LIU Jing et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the application effect of perioperative cluster nursing interventions in patients under-going robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.Methods A total of 122 prostate cancer patients who underwent robot-assisted sur-gery from January 2023 to December 2024 were divided into the control group(routine care,55 cases)and the observation group(cluster nursing,67 cases)according to the nursing methods.The psychological status,surgery-related indicators,postoperative recovery,incidence of perioperative complications,and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results The observation group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in postoperative anxiety and depression scores compared to the control group(P=0.034,P=0.005).The observation group exhibited shorter operative time and less intraoperative blood loss,with both differences being statistically significant(P=0.016,P<0.001).In terms of postoperative recovery,the obser-vation group showed faster recovery of bowel function,shorter time for catheter insertion and postoperative hospital stay compared to the control group(P=0.010,P<0.001,P<0.001).In the observation group,the incidence of systemic postoperative in-fection was lower than that of the control group(4.5%vs 18.2%,P=0.015).The perioperative hypothermia rate in the obser-vation group was lower than that of the control group(38.8%vs 60.0%,P=0.020).There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative urinary fistula rate between the two groups(P=0.477).The observation group achieved an overall patient satisfaction rate of 98.51%,with higher satisfaction scores compared to the control group(P=0.008).Conclusion Perioperative cluster nursing measures yield favorable outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.It can not only shorten the operation time,promote the postoperative recovery of patients,but also reduce the anxiety and depression of patients and complica-tions,and improve patient satisfaction.

Therapeutic advances of tadalafil in multi-organ systemic diseases beyond erectile dysfunction
[Journal Article]YAO Fan, WU Junjie, SHANG Xuejun-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Phosphodiesterase type 5(PDE5)participates in the physiological functions of multiple organs by regulating the nitric oxide(NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)pathway.As a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor,tadalafil has been used clinically for over 20 years and is approved for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Furthermore,tadalafil maintains cGMP levels by inhibiting PDE5,thereby activa-ting the downstream NO-cGMP signaling pathway to exert multiple effects,including relaxing smooth muscle,exerting antioxidant actions,regulating apoptosis,and modulating metabolism.Clinical evidence indicates that tadalafil shows promising therapeutic potential in multi-organ system diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension,heart failure,type 2 diabetes,cognitive impair-ment,female infertility,and fetal growth restriction.This article systematically reviews the action mechanisms and research pro-gress of tadalafil in treating diseases beyond erectile dysfunction,aiming to summarize its potential for cross-disease system clini-cal applications and provide references for optimizing treatment strategies for patients with chronic diseases.

Multiple testicular leydig cell tumors presenting with azoospermia:A case report and literature review
[Journal Article]LIU Qing, HU Zhisheng, YAO Yong et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of multiple testicular Leydig cell tumors presenting with azoospermia.Methods Clinical data of a case of multiple testicular Leydig cell tumors presenting with azoospermia as well as re-lated article were reviewed.Results The patient visited the doctor due to"failure to conceive after 3 years of regular unprotect-ed sexual intercourse",and two consecutive semen analyses both indicated azoospermia.Testicular color Doppler ultrasound,en-hanced CT and pelvic MRI all suggested testicular space-occupying lesions.Preoperative evaluation suggested benign testicular tumors.Intraoperative frozen section pathology confirmed Leydig cell tumors.Microscopic testis-sparing tumor enucleation and microsurgical testicular sperm extraction(mTESE)were performed,with no sperm identified intraoperatively.The patient under-went successful tumor resection without complications.During the 12-month follow-up period,no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed.Seminal volume increased compared to pre-operative levels,but azoospermia persisted.Conclusions Testicular Leydig cell tumor is a rare neoplasms originating from the gonadal stroma.Preoperative diagnosis is difficult.Radical orchiectomy is the primary treatment modality.However,testis-sparing tumor enucleation may be a safe and effective alternative for patients with bilateral testicular tumors.Tumor enucleation with testicular preservation is also a safe and effective choice for the patients with small-sized lesions or prepubertal status,whereas a long-term close follow-up is strictly implemented.

Multi-omics identification of microvascular endothelium-related genes in patients with diabetic organic erectile dysfunction
[Journal Article]WU Lijuan, WANG Weizhuo, CHEN Kang et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective To integrate patient clinical information with single-cell sequencing analysis to identify key genes involved in organic erectile dysfunction(ED)in diabetic patients,and to further validate these findings using genome-wide association study(GWAS)data to pinpoint the genes associated with diabetic organic ED.Methods Single-cell RNA sequen-cing data were downloaded from the GSE206528 dataset,comprising samples from five patients including three individuals with-out ED or diabetes,and two patients diagnosed with diabetic ED.Data preprocessing,cell clustering,and annotation were per-formed using R,followed by extraction of microvascular endothelial cells for differential expression analysis.Enrichment analysis of the identified differentially expressed genes(DEGs)was conducted using the Hiplot platform.Expression quantitative trait loci(eQTL)single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)corresponding to these DEGs were retrieved from the UK Biobank(UKB)da-tabase as exposures.ED(GWAS ID:ebi-a-GCST006956)was defined as the outcome variable.Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis was then performed to identify potential causal genes.Results Using the Seurat package,single-cell RNA se-quencing data from the five patients underwent quality control and integration.After cell type identification,a subset of microvas-cular endothelial cells was selected for differential expression analysis,resulting in the identification of 214 DEGs.Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to diabetic complications,including the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,and oxidative phosphorylation.Subsequently,MR analysis was per-formed on the 214 DEGs,using erectile dysfunction(ebi-a-GCST006956)as the outcome.Six genes were identified as potential causal genes including MYL9,NFIB,ENDOD1,DES,NRARP and HSPA1B.Conclusion These findings suggest that MYL9,NFIB,ENDOD1,DES,NRARP and HSPA1B may play a role in the progression of organic ED in diabetic patients.

Transrectal cognitive fusion versus transperineal image-fusion prostate biopsy:A comparative study
[Journal Article]DONG Ning, HUANG Wenyi, HU Jun et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective To compare the detection rate and safety of transrectal cognitive fusion prostate biopsy and trans-perineal multiparametric MRI-transrectal ultrasound(mpMRI-TRUS)fusion-guided prostate biopsy.Methods The clinical data of 462 patients who underwent mpMRI at the Eastern Theater Command General Hospital from June 2021 to May 2025 were analyzed retrospectively.All patients had at least one suspicious lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥3 and subsequently underwent targeted prostate biopsy.The results of targeted biopsy combined with systematic biopsy were defined as the combined biopsy re-sults.The PCa detection rate,clinically significant PCa(csPCa)detection rate and incidence of complications were compared be-tween the two groups.Diagnostic performances of systematic,targeted and combined biopsies were also compared between the two approaches.Results In targeted biopsy,the transperineal group had significantly higher PCa and csPCa detection rates than those of the transrectal group(48.11%vs 38.19%,and 39.31%vs 29.17%,P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in PCa and csPCa detection rates for systematic or combined biopsy(P>0.05).The inci-dence rate of postoperative complications in the transperineal group was significantly lower than that of the transrectal group(14.78%vs 23.61%,P<0.05).The detection rate of combined approach was significantly higher than that in either systemat-ic or targeted biopsy alone(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared to the transrectal approach,transperineal mpMRI-TRUS image fusion-guided prostate biopsy demonstrates greater safety and higher accuracy in targeted biopsy.The combined biopsy strategy can effectively reduce the risk of missed diagnoses in patients with PCa.

Clinical correlation of P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasomes in prostatic hyperplasia tissue
[Journal Article]ZHOU Xuanzhen, HUANG Chen, MEI Changying et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study is to detect the expression of purinergic 2X7 receptor(P2X7R)and the NLRP3 inflammasome in benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)tissues and to analyze the clinical correlations.Methods Twelve patients undergoing surgery for BPH were enrolled.Based on the presence or absence of inflammatory cell infiltration in HE-stained tissue sections,the patients were divided into inflammation group and non-inflammation group.Preoperative routine ex-aminations excluded surgical contraindications,and International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)questionnaires,urinary flow rate measurements,expressed prostatic secretions(EPS)analysis,and prostate-specific antigen(PSA)tests were conducted.Prostate tissues obtained during surgery were subjected to HE staining,immunofluorescence/Western blot to detect the expression of NLRP3,P2X7R,Caspase-1,Cleaved-Caspase-1,IL-1 β,and TNF-α,and immunofluorescence to assess lymphocyte infiltra-tion.SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze correlations between the expression levels of NLRP3 and P2X7R in prostate tissues and indicators including Caspase-1,Cleaved-Caspase-1,IL-1 β,TNF-α,lymphocyte count,IPSS score,urinary flow rate,EPS,and PSA.Results In BPH tissues,the expression levels of NLRP3 and P2X7R were positively correlated(P<0.05).The ex-pression levels of NLRP3 and P2X7R were positively correlated with Caspase-1,Cleaved-Caspase-1,IL-1 β,TNF-α,and lym-phocyte count(P<0.05).NLRP3 and P2X7R expression levels were positively correlated with white blood cell count in EPS,but showed no correlation with IPSS score,lecithin body count in EPS,maximum urinary flow rate and PSA(P<0.05).Conclusion P2X7R and NLRP3 in prostate tissues exacerbate local inflammatory responses,which may be an important mecha-nism in BPH development.However,they are not correlated with IPSS score,lecithin body count in EPS,maximum urinary flow rate and PSA.

Paternal transmission of epigenetic information and its potential impact on offspring health
[Journal Article]ZHENG Zilin, ZHANG Yifan, GUO Bingrou et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Recent studies indicate that paternal exposures significantly affect offspring health.Adverse factors such as poor diet,toxin exposure,and stress can reduce semen quality and disrupt epigenetic marks in sperm,leading to changes in off-spring traits.Paternal transgenerational inheritance mainly occurs through epigenetic factors like DNA methylation,histone modi-fication,and non-coding RNAs.While researches have begun to reveal how sperm transmits epigenetic information,paternal epi-genetics largely remains correlational.Increasing concerns about environmental pollution and lifestyle changes have shifted focus to paternal sperm quality and its impact on offspring health before conception.Future studies should explore how different envi-ronmental and male infertility factors influence paternal epigenetics and how specific marks affect embryonic development,ulti-mately enhancing diagnostics,treatments,and preconception care.

Safety and efficacy of prostatic thermocautery vaporization for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly and high-risk patients
[Journal Article]KONG Bo, ZHOU Hetong, ZHAO Changyuan et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.11

Abstract:Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of transurethral thermal steam ablation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)patients with high-grade and high-risk.Methods Clinical data of elderly BPH pa-tients with high-risk treated with transurethral water vapour thermal from February 2022 to January 2025 were retrospectively ana-lyzed.The operation time,intraoperative bleeding,the number of injections during surgery,postoperative indwelling urinary catheter time,and surgical complications were recorded.And the differences in the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS),Quality of Life Score(QOL),Maximum Urinary Flow Rate(Qmax),and Residual Volume of Urine(PVR)before and after 3 and 6 months of the operation were recorded respectively.Results All 30 cases were successfully completed with an operation time of(10.167±2.984)min,intraoperative bleeding of(1.600±1.133)mL,the number of injections during surgery(6.600±1.793).No case of transfusion occurred.And the mean postoperative indwelling urinary catheter time was(8.467±3.246)d.After 3 and 6 months of postoperative follow-up,the Qmax increased from the preoperative(3.463±2.503)mL/s to(10.177±1.625)mL/s and(11.747±1.888)mL/s.PVR decreased from preoperative(209.623±191.960)mL to(40.433±23.713)mL and(30.300±20.223)mL.IPSS score decreased from preoperative(29.533±4.216)to(15.067±3.183)and(12.100±3.546).And QOL score decreased from preoperative(5.033±0.718)to(2.600±0.814)and(2.367±0.850).There were significant differences in observational indexes before and after the operation(P<0.05).There was no case of postoperative urinary incontinence or secondary bleeding.Conclusion Transurethral water vapour thermal therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of elderly BPH patients with high-risk.

Current status of basic and translational research on heat stress-induced damage to the testicular spermatogenic microenvironment
[Journal Article]ZHANG Sirui, ZHAO Haiyang, WANG Hui-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Heat stress(HS)is a critical factor contributing to male infertility,primarily by disrupting the testicular spermatogenic microenvironment,leading to oligospermia,asthenospermia,teratospermia and other male healthcare con-cerns.Sertoli cells are the major components of spermatogenic microenvironment and the blood-testis barrier(BTB),provi-ding structural and nutritional support for spermatogenesis.HS impairs the structure and function of Sertoli cells and the BTB,disrupts the spermatogenesis,and damages other testicular cells and extracellular matrix components.Current re-search predominantly employs surgical or environmental simulation models.A large number of studies have found that natu-ral compounds and traditional Chinese medicines exhibit therapeutic potential through antioxidant,anti-apoptotic,and hor-mone synthesis-regulating mechanisms.Patent and market translation efforts focus on optimizing formulars and developing novel antioxidant molecules.This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of HS-induced reproductive damage,advances in basic research,and translational progress,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis,treatment,and product development,while enhancing awareness of male reproductive health protection.

Effects of tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate on reproductive function of male mice:Based on non-targeted metabolomics
[Journal Article]XU Yang, LIN Yaofu, LI Wen et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of organophosphate flame retardant tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate(TCPP)on reproductive function in male mice by the approach of non-targeted metabolomics.Methods A total of twelve 6-week-old SPF male CD-1 mice were randomly divided into control group and TCPP group,with 6 mice in each group.TCPP group was given TCPP(at the dose of 100 mg/kg/d)intragastrically,and control group was intragastrically adminis-trated with the same amount of corn oil(solvent control).After 6 weeks,the mice were killed,and the sperm were isolated from the epididymis.The sperm concentration and viability were analyzed.Testicular tissue sections were stained with he-matoxylin,and ki67 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Non-targeted metabolomics was used to detect the difference of metabolites in testicular tissue between the two groups,and to analyze the difference of metabolites and related pathway changes between the two groups.Results Compared with control group,the total sperm motility of mice in TCPP treatment group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).HE staining showed irregular arrangement of spermatogenic tubule supporting cell layer in TCPP treatment group.The expression level of ki67 in testicular tissue of mice treated with TCPP was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Non-targeted metabolomics detected 266 up-regulated metabolites with statistical difference.And 554 down-regulated metabolites with statistical difference,among which the largest difference multiples were organic acids and amino acid metabolites.The pathways with the highest concentration of differential metabolites in-cluded purine metabolism,nucleotide metabolism,amino acid metabolism,cofactor synthesis,etc.,which were mainly re-lated to basic cell life activities,pathophysiology and chemical carcinogenesis.Conclusion TCPP can significantly re-duce sperm motility and ki67 expression in mice at the dosage of 100 mg/kg/d,which might be related to its influence on key metabolic pathways such as purine,amino acid and pyruvate.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of granulomatous prostatitis:Report of 13 cases
[Journal Article]DONG Jinkai, ZHAO Baobo, ZUO Shidong et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the clinical and imaging characteristics,treatment and prognosis of 13 patients with granulomatous prostatitis(GP),and to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment for GP.Methods The clinical information of 13 GP patients extracted from electronic medical records including demographic characteristic risk factors,clinical symptoms,laboratory findings,imaging findings(ultrasound,CT,MRI,FDG-PET-CT),treatment and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively from January 2018 to August 2023 at our center.Results The average age of 13 patients with GP was(65.69±6.46)years.And the average score of IPSS was(23.40±5.8).Five patients appeared positive results,of which 11 cases received digital rectal examination.The average level of pre-biopsy tPSA was(23.28±44.94)μg/L with fPSA/tPSA ratio of 0.11±0.05 and PSAD of(0.55±1.07)μg/l/mL.The pre-biopsy mean MRI PI-RADS 2.0 was(4.6±0.6)in this group of patients.Extraprostatic invasion was shown on imaging in 4 patients.The average number of biopsy needles was(19.6±3.9),and the pathological results showed tuber-culous granulomas in 2 cases(15.4%)and non-specific granulomatous inflammation in 11 cases(84.6%).Five patients received local treatment of the prostate after pathological confirmation(PVP in 4 cases,TURP in 1 case),2 patients re-ceived anti-tuberculosis therapy,and 3 cases were given antibiotics.Average follow-up was(20.6±11.2)months,and the average tPSA were(6.94±4.96)μg/L at 3-6 months after biopsy and/or surgery,with no obvious signs of malignancy during the follow-up period.Conclusion GP is the great mimicker of prostate cancer clinically and radiologically.Pros-tate biopsy is the method for confirming the diagnosis.For patients who are considering biopsy-free radical prostatectomy,it is important to consider the possibility of GP.

Effect of bladder neck preservation during transurethral thulium laser enucleation of the prostate on stress urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation
[Journal Article]ZHANG Qi, WENG Guobin, YAO Xuping et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the effects of bladder neck preservation on postoperative stress urinary inconti-nence and retrograde ejaculation in patients undergoing transurethral thulium laser enucleation of the prostate(ThuLEP).Methods The clinical data of 203 patients who underwent ThuLEP in our hospital from September 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the operation method,the patients were divided into bladder neck preservation group(n=95)and non-bladder neck preservation group(n=108).The occurrence of postoperative stress urinary inconti-nence and retrograde ejaculation of the two groups were compared.Results The differences between the patients of two groups in operative time(110[80,130]min vs 110[90,140]min),hospital stay(8[8,8]d vs 8[8,8]d),in-dwelling catheter time(7[7,7]h vs 7[7,7]h),and hemoglobin decline(9[6,14]g/L vs 8[4,13]g/L)were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at 3 months postoperatively in maximum flow rate(20[18,21]mL/s vs 19[18,20]mL/s),scores of International Prostate Symp-tom Scale(5[4,6]vs 5[4,5]),post-void residual urine volume(0[0,8]mL vs 0[0,7.5]mL)and quality of life(2[1,3]vs 2[1,3])(P>0.05).The differences in the rates of postoperative stress urinary incontinence(2.1%vs 9.3%)and retrograde ejaculation(49.4%vs 74.5%)between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Bladder neck preservation during ThuLEP reduces the incidence of postoperative stress urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation.

Research progress of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction
[Journal Article]WU Junjie, ZHAN Mingwei, SHANG Xuejun-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Erectile dysfunction(ED)is a common sexual dysfunction in adult males.With the accelerated pace of modern life and lifestyle changes,the prevalence of ED and its associated comorbidities have been steadily rising.Problems such as premature ejaculation,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,prostate diseases,and infertility all interact with and aggravate ED,thereby endangering the overall health of men.Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors(PDE5i)is the first-line pharmacotherapy for ED.Tadalafil,currently the only long-acting PDE5i approved for clinical use,has received mar-keting authorization in China for the treatment of ED since 2005.In 2013,the once-a-day continuous regimen was intro-duced as a novel treatment paradigm.And the indication was expanded to ED coexisting with benign prostatic hyperplasia in 2019.Accumulating clinical experience and evidence-based data consistently demonstrate its efficacy and safety across ED and ED-related comorbidities.This review summarizes the pharmacological profile of tadalafil and the latest clinical evi-dence on the management of ED and ED-related comorbidities,aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Causal relationship between periodontal disease and prostate cancer:A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis in two races
[Journal Article]JIN Xiaoxu, LIU Jing, ZHAO Xiaodong et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the causal relationship between periodontal disease(PD)and prostate cancer(PCa).Methods A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis based on publicly statistical data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)was conducted.MR Egger,weighted medium,simple mode and weighted mode were supplemented,while inverse variance weighted analysis(IVW)was the main method of analysis.Heterogeneity testing,pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out testing were used to assess the sensitivity and stabili-ty.Results The results of MR analysis showed that PD had no significant impact on the occurrence of PCa:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=1.07,P=0.48);European(IVW,PD:OR=1.00,P=0.37,periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.14,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.99,P=0.37,chronic periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.22).The reverse MR analysis also did not show a causal relationship between PCa and PD:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=0.97,P=0.22);European(IVW,PD:OR=0.84,P=0.44,periodontitis:OR=1.01,P=0.75,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.93,P=0.23,chronic periodontitis:OR=0.99,P=0.80).The results of other analysis were consistent with those of IVW analysis.Conclusions The results of our two-sample bidirectional MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between PD and PCa.

A multicenter retrospective histopathological analysis of testicular torsion-related orchiectomy specimens
[Journal Article]LUO Guoxiong, SU Qinjun, ZHAO Qiang et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective This study aims to explore the correlation between the grade of testicular tissue damage and clinical features which is used to evaluate the viability of testicular tissue after the orchidopexy for testicular torsion.Methods We conducted a retrospective,multicenter analysis of pathological specimens obtained from patients who under-went unilateral orchiectomy due to testicular torsion.Tissue viability was reassessed by the Mikuz grading scale.The corre-lations among tissue viability,duration of torsion symptoms,the angle of torsion,preoperative Doppler ultrasound image and intraoperative testicular resuscitation methods were analyzed.Results Eighty-five pathological specimens were en-rolled from 4 medical centers.The age range was 18 years(IQR 14-33),with a median torsion angle of 480°(IQR 180°-1080°).The interval from the torsion onset to surgical intervention was 18 hours(IQR 9-84).In the subgroup analysis of different torsion durations,the distribution of Grade I injuries was as follows.The subgroup within 12 hours ac-counted for 37.5%.The subgroup between 12 to 24 hours accounted for 14.28%.And the subgroup between 24 to 48 hours ac-counted for 6.45%.The subgroup exceeding 48 hours only accounted for 3.13%.Four patients received orchiectomy due to pre-operative ultrasound image indicating necrosis,correlating with Mikuz grade 3 tissue damage.The decision was made based on the failure of color recovery of affected testis in 57 cases,revealing 12.28%with grade 1 and 35.89%with grade Ⅱ damage.Twenty-four cases were identified as an Arda score of 3,with 4.16%showing grade 1 and 20.83%showing grade Ⅱ Mikuz damage.The method of Arda's grading could be used to determine the vitality of testicular tissue more accurately compared to the post-resusci-tation color observation method(P=0.032).Conclusion Pathological reassessment provides a precise determination of tis-sue viability in the affected testis.In some instances,the testicular tissue damage can be found potentially reversible.

Construction of a high-efficiency risk-prediction model for urinary tract infection after BPH surgery based on machine learning algorithm
[Journal Article]FU Guiping, LIU Xiao, HONG Zhengdong et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective To explore the risk factors for urinary tract infection(UTI)after benign prostatic hyperpla-sia(BPH)surgery,and construct a high-efficiency risk-prediction model based on machine learning algorithms(MLA).Methods This retrospective study included 200 cases of BPH surgically treated in Xinyu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to April 2023.Twenty-three cases were included in the UTI group,and 177 were enrolled into the non-UTI group.The relevant data were collected and analyzed for the statistically significant factors by univariate logistic analysis by using the SPSS software,MLA-based logistic regression,back-propagation(BP)neural networks and decision classification and regression tree(CRT).And the predictive values of the models established via different algorithms using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were compared.We assessed the prediction accuracy of the models and identified one with the best prediction efficiency based on the mean absolute error(MAE).Results Univariate analysis indicated statisti-cally significant differences between the UTI and non-UTI groups in age,comorbid diabetes mellitus(DM),urinary catheter-in-dwelling time,prostate volume,preoperative catheterization,preoperative IPSS(P<0.05).The independent predictive varia-bles for UTI after BPH surgery were shown to be age,IPSS,comorbid DM and prostate volume by the method of multivariate lo-gistic regression model(P<0.05).Age,urinary catheter-indwelling time,prostate volume and IPSS were assessed as the influ-ence factors by the CRT model(P<0.05),and prostate volume,IPSS,age and urinary catheter-indwelling time were assessed as the influence factors by the BP neural network model(P<0.05).Among the 3 risk-prediction models,the one constructed with the BP neural networks exhibited the best prediction efficiency(AUC:0.992,the optimal truncation value:0.912,corre-sponding sensitivity and specificity:0.957 and 0.955).Conclusion The risk-prediction model constructed by MLA and BP neural networks based on the characteristic factors of age,preoperative urinary retention catheterization,urinary catheter-indwell-ing time,IPSS and comorbid DM has a high predictive value for UTI after BPH surgery which can be applied to the identification and management of such high-risk population.

Mechanism of the regulation of prostate cancer stem cells by CAF:Based on the Wnt/β-catenin and SDF-1/CXCR4 pathways
[Journal Article]CHEN Haoran, ZHU Xudong, WANG Jiazheng et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective To investigate the mechanism by which cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF)in the tumor microenvironment regulate key pathways in prostate cancer stem cells(PCSCs).Methods An in vitro co-culture system of CAF and PCSC was established to observe the effects of CAF on PCSC proliferation and sphere formation.Prostate cancer stem cells were treated with CAF conditioned medium pre-treated with Wnt inhibitor DKK-1 and SDF-1 neutralizing anti-body(MAB310).Western blot was used to detect the expression of β-catenin,CXCR4,CD133 and CD44 in PCSCs.And PCR was used to detect the expression of β-catenin,CXCR4,TCF,and LEF mRNA.TOPflash/FOPflash dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to detect the effects of SDF-1 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity in PCSCs.Results ELISA results showed that the secretion of Wnt3a and SDF-1 in CAF supernatant was significantly higher than that in WPMY-1 cells(P<0.05).The A value of PCSCs co-cultured with CAF at a 1∶6 ratio was significantly higher than that of the PCSC-only group(P<0.0 1),and CAF promoted sphere formation in PCSCs(P<0.05).Western blot results showed that CAF-CM significantly increased the relative expression of β-catenin,CXCR4,CD133 and CD44 in PCSCs(P<0.01).Compared to CAF-CM,CAFanti-Wnt-CM significantly reduced the expression of β-catenin,CD133 and CD44(P<0.01).CAFanti-SDF-1-CM also significantly inhibited the expression of CXCR4,β-catenin,CD133 and CD44(P<0.01).PCR results showed that CAFanti-SDF-1-CM inhibited the expression of β-catenin,CXCR4 and downstream Wnt signaling effectors TCF and LEF(P<0.01).Dual-luciferase reporter assay results showed that luciferase activity in the CAFanti-SDF-1-CM group was significantly lower than that in the CAF-CM group(P<0.05).Conclusion CAF reg-ulates the stemness of PCSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin and SDF-1/CXCR4 pathways.CXCR4 may enhance the mainte-nance of stemness by activating β-catenin.

Correlation between Gleason grade and free prostate-specific antigen,serum ferritin and uric acid levels in patients with prostate cancer
[Journal Article]ZHANG Haocheng, TAO Meimei, ZHANG Jiong et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective To discuss the correlation between free prostate specific antigen(fPSA),serum ferritin(SF),blood uric acid(SUA)levels and Gleason grading in patients with prostate cancer(PCa).Methods The clinical data of 61 patients with prostate biopsy treated in 411 Hospital of Shanghai University from January to December of 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of puncture,the patients were divided into benign prostatic hyperpla-sia(BPH)group(31 cases)and PCa group(30 cases).The levels of fPSA,SF and SUA in patients and Gleason grade in biopsy cases were analyzed.The correlation between fPSA,SF and SUA levels and Gleason grade was analyzed by the method of Spearman.And the diagnostic efficacy of fPSA,SF and SUA levels on PCa was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).Results The levels of fPSA,SF and SUA in PCa group were significantly higher than those in BPH group(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in levels of fPSA SF and SUA in PCA patients with different Gleason grades(P<0.05).With the specificity reaching 96.08%and sensitivity reaching 94.35%,the ar-ea under the curve(AUC)of the combined fPSA,SF and SUA levels in the diagnosis of PCa was 0.982,which was higher than that of the single fPSA,SF and SUA levels(P<0.05).SF and SUA levels in PCa patients were positively correlated with Gleason grade(P<0.05),while fPSA levels were not correlated with Gleason grade(P>0.05).Conclusion The levels of SF and SUA in PCa patients are positively correlated with Gleason grade,which can be used as an important index to predict Gleason grade in PCa patients.

Analysis of erectile dysfunction and its associated factors in male patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
[Journal Article]XU Xiaohui, ZHANG Man, ZHOU Tingting et al.-National Journal of Andrology2025, No.10

Abstract:Objective To investigate the prevalence proportion and influencing factors of erectile dysfunction in male patients receiving peritoneal dialysis(PD),and to provide a basis for clinical intervention.Methods A total of 170 male patients undergoing maintenance PD in Jinling Hospital from January to June 2025 were selected as the study subjects.And the international erectile function index-5 was used to evaluate sexual function of the patients.The general data,dialy-sis adequacy,nutritional status and other clinical indicators were collected.The logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influence factors of erectile dysfunction in the patients with PD.Results The incidence of erectile dysfunction in male patients with PD was 45.3%.And univariate analysis showed that age,education level,smoking history,dialysis-related symptoms and depressive status were significantly correlated with erectile dysfunction in male patients(all P<0.05).Ordered logistic regression analysis identified age,sleep duration,smoking history,albumin and total cholesterol as independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction in male patients with PD.Conclusion The incidence of erectile dys-function is relatively high in male patients with PD which is influenced by various physiological and psychological factors.Clinically,attention should be paid to patients' nutritional status,sleep quality,and other factors,with comprehensive in-terventions implemented to improve sexual function and overall quality of life.