The objective of the work is to explore the pathways and mechanisms driving inflammation and fibrosis in stented ureters. In total, 6 pigs underwent cystoscopic unilateral ureteral stent insertion for 14 days. Ureteral tissue was harvested in 3 pigs, while the remaining 3 pigs had their stents removed, and were recovered for 7 days. Three separate pigs served as controls. Stents cause significant inflammation and fibrosis of ureters. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed fibrotic changes and tissue proliferation and suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a driver of fibrosis.

The objective of the work is to explore the pathways and mechanisms driving inflammation and fibrosis in stented ureters. In total, 6 pigs underwent cystoscopic unilateral ureteral stent insertion for 14 days. Ureteral tissue was harvested in 3 pigs, while the remaining 3 pigs had their stents removed, and were recovered for 7 days. Three separate pigs served as controls. Stents cause significant inflammation and fibrosis of ureters. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed fibrotic changes and tissue proliferation and suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a driver of fibrosis.

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