Asian Journal of Urology最新文献

{"title":"Transecting or non-transecting: Developing and validating a prediction model for short-segment bulbar urethral strictures in males","authors":"Yubo Gu ,&nbsp;Lei Chen ,&nbsp;Jiong Zhang ,&nbsp;Wei Liu ,&nbsp;Tao Liang ,&nbsp;Qiang Fu ,&nbsp;Lujie Song","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Excision and primary anastomosis is a standard approach for managing short-segment bulbar urethral strictures. However, the choice between transecting and non-transecting anastomoses is typically determined during surgery based on intraoperative findings. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for patients with short-segment bulbar urethral strictures, forecasting the likelihood of undergoing a non-transecting procedure through preoperative assessments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Retrospective data collection was conducted for patients diagnosed with short-segment bulbar urethral strictures at our institution from June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2022. The patients were categorized into the transecting and non-transecting groups for the training set. Factors displaying significant differences, as identified through univariate analysis between groups, were integrated into logistic regression for a clinical-radiographic nomogram. External validation utilized prospective cohort data from June 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The training set comprised 81 patients (44 transecting and 37 non-transecting), and the validation set had 33 (22 transecting and 11 non-transecting). The final model incorporated two factors: the stricture's etiology and ventral scar thickness measured by ultrasound. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85–0.98) for the training dataset and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.79–1.00) for the validation dataset. The validation metrics demonstrated the model's good discrimination and calibration.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This model enables preoperative prediction of the anastomosis strategy for patients with short-segment bulbar urethral strictures, considering etiology (traumatic or non-traumatic) and ultrasonographic measurements (ventral scar thickness). Having successfully undergone internal and external validation, the model demonstrates robust discrimination and calibration, offering crucial support for healthcare professionals in preoperative decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 213-219"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcriptome-wide association study of prostate cancer in the Chinese population","authors":"Wenyan Hu ,&nbsp;Xiaoya Zeng ,&nbsp;Jingjing Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaohao Ruan ,&nbsp;Yongle Zhan ,&nbsp;Chi Yao ,&nbsp;Xiufeng Xin ,&nbsp;Haitao Chen ,&nbsp;Rong Na","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most prevalent malignancies in men, with a substantial genetic predisposition. Despite extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying numerous risk loci, the causal target genes remain largely undetermined. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted the first transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) of PCa in the Chinese population to systematically identify putative target genes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study included 5048 participants, comprising 2425 individuals from the Chinese Prostate Cancer Genetics Consortium cohort (1417 PCa cases and 1008 healthy controls) and 2623 from the Ruijin Biopsy cohort (1133 cases and 1490 controls). We employed both single-tissue and cross-tissue TWAS approaches to prioritize candidate genes. Causal inference was performed using two-sample Mendelian randomization, while differential mRNA expression and methylation analyses were conducted to investigate potential regulatory mechanisms. The prognostic significance of the identified genes was further assessed through survival analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 179 and 114 putative target genes were identified in the ChinaPCa and Ruijin Biopsy cohorts, respectively. The meta-analysis of the single-tissue TWAS revealed 23 genes achieving false discovery rate significance, while cross-tissue TWAS identified nine additional significant genes (one gene previously reported in the single-tissue TWAS was excluded). GRAM domain-containing protein 2 (<em>GRAMD2</em>) emerged as the most consistently associated gene across analyses. Furthermore, the Mendelian randomization analysis provided evidence supporting a causal role for trafficking protein particle complex subunit 6B (<em>TRAPPC6B</em>) and patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 6 (<em>PNPLA6</em>) in PCa etiology.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study represents the first comprehensive TWAS of PCa in the Chinese population, identifying 290 putative causal genes. These findings enhance our understanding of PCa pathogenesis and may inform future research on molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and prognostic biomarkers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 145-153"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the role of urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor in diagnosis and follow-up of overactive bladder in women: A prospective analytical study in a tertiary care center experience","authors":"Hussein Aly Hussein ,&nbsp;Mostafa Sheba ,&nbsp;Aly Ahmed Shams El Din,&nbsp;Mohamed Tawfik,&nbsp;Samer Morsy","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2024.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2024.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common clinical manifestation of voiding dysfunction. It is a symptom-based condition. A new, accurate, objective, and noninvasive test to diagnose OAB and assess therapeutic outcomes is lacking. The study aimed to assess the use of the urinary biomarker brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as a non-invasive diagnostic and follow-up tool.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective analytical study was conducted in the Department of Urology, Cairo University Hospitals. A total of 96 women were included in the study and distributed into two groups: Group A with OAB (<em>n</em>=48) and Group B (control group, <em>n</em>=48).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean urinary BDNF/creatinine ratio in the OAB group was 15.2 (standard deviation [SD] 5.9) pg/mg, ranging from 5.1 to 24.2 pg/mg, whereas the mean urinary BDNF/creatinine ratio in the control group was 5.6 (SD 2.7) pg/mg, ranging from 1.1 to 10.0 pg/mg, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (independent samples <em>t</em>-test, <em>p</em>&lt;0.001). Following a 3-month treatment period with solifenacin, a statistically significant reduction was found in the urinary BDNF/creatinine ratio of the OAB group to a mean of 8.2 (SD 3.7) pg/mg, ranging from 2.2 to 14.7 pg/mg (paired samples <em>t</em>-test, <em>p</em>&lt;0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>BDNF can be used to assess the presence of OAB and follow up the course of OAB as a supplementary tool to clinical assessment and urodynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 187-192"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Single-port robotic telesurgery in urology: From preclinical validation to the first clinical application","authors":"Zheng Wang ,&nbsp;Chao Zhang ,&nbsp;Yang Wang ,&nbsp;Aolin Tang ,&nbsp;Xiaofeng Wu ,&nbsp;Hong Xu ,&nbsp;Zhiyong Liu ,&nbsp;Zhenyang Dong ,&nbsp;Chao Zhi ,&nbsp;Xiaolei Shi ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Chengwu Xiao ,&nbsp;Xingjian Cai ,&nbsp;Hao Wang ,&nbsp;Yi Sun ,&nbsp;Yi Zhou ,&nbsp;Kai Xu ,&nbsp;Linhui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 241-245"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation: Indications, techniques, and outcomes of an effective robotic platform adaptation","authors":"Sarah Lorger ,&nbsp;Bishoy Hanna ,&nbsp;Mark Broe ,&nbsp;George McClintock ,&nbsp;Darshan Sitharthan ,&nbsp;Ahmed Goolam ,&nbsp;Matthew Winter ,&nbsp;Nariman Ahmadi ,&nbsp;Patrick-Julien Treacy ,&nbsp;Nicola Jeffery ,&nbsp;Michael Cooper ,&nbsp;Alan Lam ,&nbsp;Philip Dundee ,&nbsp;Scott Leslie","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the radiological outcomes of robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation. The secondary objectives were to assess the demographics of patients, aetiology of ureteric pathology, length of stay, presence of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms, and complication rates and to compare these outcomes with those in the current literature.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective multi-centre cohort study was conducted, including all patients undergoing robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation for various indications. Demographic data were collected as well as the aetiology of ureteric pathology, type of surgery, length of stay, and any postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grade). The radiological and functional outcomes were also collected.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-four cases that underwent robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation were reviewed. The mean age was 55 years. Psoas hitch and Boari flap were performed in 20 and eight cases, respectively. The mean length of stay was 5.7 days. The radiological resolution was achieved in 94% of cases. Major complications, defined as Clavien–Dindo grade III or above, occurred in four (12%) cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation, while relatively novel, has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional open surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 204-212"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal techniques for managing lower polar arteries in kidney transplantation","authors":"Ernur B. Belgibaev,&nbsp;Islam K. Madadov,&nbsp;Dilmurat Akhmetov,&nbsp;Elshad S. Nabiev,&nbsp;Berik G. Rgebayev,&nbsp;Nursultan T. Saduakas,&nbsp;Bolatbek B. Baimakhanov","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Kidney transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage renal disease; however, variations in renal arterial anatomy, particularly the presence of additional lower polar arteries (LPAs), pose surgical challenges. The optimal management of the LPAs remains unclear. This study aimed to compare three surgical techniques for LPA anastomosis in kidney transplantation, focusing on both short- and long-term outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Joint Stock Company \"National Scientific Centre of Surgery named after Alexander Nikolaevich Syzganov\" between January 2012 and August 2024. Forty-eight kidney transplant recipients with an LPA were analysed. Patients were grouped by surgical technique: Group 1 (end-to-side anastomosis of the LPA to the main renal artery), Group 2 (anastomosis of the LPA to the inferior epigastric artery), and Group 3 (side-to-side reconstruction between the main renal artery and the LPA). Intraoperative parameters, graft function, and complications were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The groups were comparable in demographics and baseline renal function. Cold ischaemia time was the longest in Group 3, whereas Group 2 had the longest recipient-phase operation time. Postoperative complications were similar across groups, with one Grade III–IV complication reported in Group 3. Graft function, measured by serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate at 5 days, 1 month, and 1 year, showed no significant differences among groups. One-year graft survival was 100% for Groups 1 and 2 and 94% for Group 3.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>All three techniques yielded comparable graft function and survival rates, with minor variations in cold ischaemia time and complications. Tailoring the surgical approach to individual patient anatomy is critical for optimising outcomes in kidney transplantation involving an LPA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 226-233"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating the tension between missed diagnosis and overdiagnosis: A comparison of the recent Chinese Urological Association and European Association of Urology guidelines on prostate biopsy","authors":"Jin Ji,&nbsp;Xianqi Shen,&nbsp;Zenghui Zhou,&nbsp;Xu Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 127-132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High prevalence of low testosterone in men undergoing urologic surgery: Results of a prospective study","authors":"Evan J. Panken ,&nbsp;Daniel R. Greenberg ,&nbsp;Catherine S. Nam ,&nbsp;Eric J. Panken ,&nbsp;Robert E. Brannigan ,&nbsp;Joshua A. Halpern","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the prevalence of low serum testosterone in men undergoing urologic surgery and the associations between low testosterone, frailty, and postoperative outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective study of adult men undergoing urologic surgery between October 2022 and October 2024 was conducted. Morning serum testosterone levels were measured, and baseline sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid medical conditions were collected. The clinical Risk Analysis Index for measuring frailty in surgical populations was calculated. Postoperative outcomes were assessed up to 90 days after surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We enrolled 125 patients with a mean age of 64.4 years and a median body mass index of 28.1 (interquartile range 25.6–31.8) kg/m². The median total testosterone of all patients was 305 (interquartile range 252–361) ng/dL. There were 56 (45%) men who had a testosterone level &lt;300 ng/dL. Men with hypertension and obesity were significantly more likely to have low testosterone; for hypertension, the odds ratio (OR) was 2.30 (<em>p</em>&lt;0.001); for obesity, the OR was 5.64 (<em>p</em>&lt;0.001); and for men with both obesity and hypertension, the OR was 12.97 (<em>p</em>=0.043). There was no significant difference in median clinical Risk Analysis Index score between men with low testosterone and men with normal testosterone (36.0 <em>vs</em>. 36.0, <em>p</em>=0.8). There was no association between low testosterone and postoperative readmissions within 90 days.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study of patients undergoing urologic surgery found a high prevalence of low testosterone (45%). Urologists should consider evaluating all surgical patients for symptomatic hypogonadism. Further research on the postoperative implications of low testosterone and on the role of testosterone replacement therapy in the perioperative setting is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 220-225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnosis and treatment of nocturia in resource-limited settings: An expert panel consensus for the Malaysian context","authors":"Teng Aik Ong ,&nbsp;Zulkifli M. Zainuddin ,&nbsp;Clarence C.M. Lei ,&nbsp;Warren H.L. Lo ,&nbsp;Poh Yin Ng ,&nbsp;Sherene S.Y. Lim ,&nbsp;Randy P. Po ,&nbsp;Allen Y.H. Lai ,&nbsp;Karel Everaert","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Patients with nocturia often experience delays or misdiagnosis. Tailored guidance for the Malaysian context, especially in resource-limited settings, is essential for effective treatment. This consensus aimed to establish practical definitions, standardized diagnostics and management for nocturia, and a simple desmopressin use algorithm for adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature review was conducted to identify clinical publications from January 2010 to December 2023. Thirty-five statements were developed using the Delphi method, with reference to the International Continence Society Consensus. For statements lacking consensus, the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT method was used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Experts reached a consensus on defining nocturia and nocturnal polyuria. Nocturia is considered bothersome when it involves ≥2 awakenings per night, particularly if impacting sleep and quality of life. Recommended assessments include history-taking, physical examination, and essential clinical workups. A bladder diary is essential at the first clinical presentation. For older men, additional evaluations such as blood pressure measurement, digital rectal examination, and post-void residual urine measurement may be necessary. The Targeting the individual's Aetiology of Nocturia to Guide Outcomes Short-Form (TANGO-SF) questionnaire is recommended alongside a bladder diary for capturing the multifaceted nature of nocturia and its comorbidities. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy tailored to individual needs. Special caution is advised for patients with heart failure and frailty. Sex-specific dosing of desmopressin is recommended for nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria, with baseline serum sodium levels ≥135 mmol/L before initiation. Serum sodium levels should be monitored during treatment and therapy should be adjusted as necessary.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Consensus was reached on practical definitions and standardized methods for diagnosing and managing nocturia in Malaysia, which are also applicable to other resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 193-203"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148020905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A study based on reverse network pharmacology of kidney stones identified that quercetin targets the myosin light chain kinase/myosin light chain 2 pathway in human renal HK-2 cells","authors":"Haozhen Wang ,&nbsp;Ziyin Lu ,&nbsp;Wenyu Yang ,&nbsp;Xiang Li ,&nbsp;Mingdong Gao ,&nbsp;Chaojie Duan ,&nbsp;Yang Li ,&nbsp;Xiuli Lu ,&nbsp;Bing Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajur.2025.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Kidney stones are a global health issue with high recurrence rates. This study aimed to apply reverse network pharmacology to identify and validate components of traditional Chinese medicines effective against kidney stones and to explore their therapeutic mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We utilized the GSE73680 gene expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and employed the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method to identify modules containing kidney stone-related genes. The protein–protein interaction network was constructed. A reverse network pharmacology approach was employed to create a “TCM–components–targets” network to find the most effective small-molecule monomer. Western blot was used to detect myosin light chain kinase/myosin light chain 2 (MLCK/MLC2)-related protein expression, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ultraviolet spectroscopy experiments were used to predict and validate the interaction between quercetin and MLCK.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The WGCNA analysis identified 913 genes, and six candidate targets were further obtained from protein–protein interaction analysis. Reverse network pharmacology results showed that six candidate key targets were highly correlated with three active ingredients, namely quercetin, ursolic acid, and puerarin, as well as four traditional Chinese medicines. The prediction of quercetin targets and the integration of WGCNA results showed that quercetin may exert therapeutic effects on kidney stones through the MLCK/MLC2 pathway. In HK-2 cells, quercetin could inhibit the calcium oxalate monohydrate–activated MLCK/MLC2 pathway and reduce cell apoptosis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results predicted that quercetin could directly interact with MLCK through a mechanism similar to ML-9, thereby inhibiting MLCK activity, and this direct interaction was demonstrated by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings suggest that quercetin may play a role in preventing and treating kidney stones by targeting the MLCK/MLC2 pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46599,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Urology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Pages 163-176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147902996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}