Crystallization during volume reduction of solutions with a composition corresponding to that in the collecting duct: the influence of hydroxyapatite seed crystals and urinary macromolecules

To examine the effect of hydroxyapatite (HAP) seed crystals and urinary macromolecules on the crystallization under conditions similar to those in the collecting duct, we evaporated 100 ml samples of salt solutions with an ion composition assumed to correspond to that in the collecting duct without and with HAP seed crystals. The crystallization in seeded solutions was assessed both with and without dialysed urine (dU). After evaporation the number and volume of crystals were recorded in a Coulter Multisizer and the crystal morphology examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray crystallography. Addition of HAP crystals was apparently followed by an approximately 15–20% increase in heterogeneous nucleation of calcium oxalate (CaOx). In these experiments SEM and X-ray crystallography showed a high percentage of CaOx in the precipitate. In samples reduced to 40–69 ml, addition of dU to the collecting duct solution containing HAP seed resulted in a greater mean (SD) number of crystals; 3895 (1841) in samples with dU and 1785 (583) in samples without. This was mainly explained by an increased mean (SD) number of small crystals. The mean crystal volume was 17.8 (1.1) and 34.3 (9.1) in samples reduced to 40–69 ml with and without dU, respectively. This might reflect the inhibitory effect of dU on the growth and/or aggregation of the CaOx-CaP precipitate or a promoted nucleation resulting in a large number of small crystals. It is concluded that calcium phosphate formed above the collecting duct might induce heterogeneous nucleation of CaOx at lower levels of the renal collecting system, and that urinary macromolecules are powerful modifiers of these processes. Received: 8 July 1998 / Accepted: 12 March 1999     

Crystallisation of calcium oxalate dihydrate in normal urine in presence of sodium copper chlorophyllin

Summary A method is described for the growth of calcium oxalate dihydrate in normal urine. Soluble chlorophyllin, at a concentration of 20 g/ml inhibited the crystallisation and the growth kinetics of the dihydrate crystals. The inhibitory capacity of chlorophyllin was compared with previous results. Data obtained suggest that the food and drug colourant chlorophyllin might be useful in the treatment of calcium oxalate stone disease.     

泽泻提取物不同组分对尿草酸钙结石形成的实验研究

目的 :研究泽泻提取物不同组分对尿草酸钙结石形成的影响 ,并确定其抑制尿草酸钙结石形成的有效部位。方法 :通过喂服泽泻提取物不同组分对乙二醇和氯化铵诱导的大白鼠肾草酸钙结石模型进行实验研究。结果 :服用泽泻醋酸乙酯浸膏的醋酸乙酯洗脱液大鼠的血清尿素氮 (BUN) ,肌酐 (Cr) ,肾钙 (Ca²⁺ )含量 ,24h尿Ca²⁺ 分泌量 ,肾组织的草酸钙晶体沉积均明显低于成石组 (P<0.05)。结论 :泽泻醋酸乙酯浸膏的醋酸乙酯洗脱液能抑制实验性高草酸尿症大白鼠体内肾草酸钙晶体的形成 ,是泽泻抑制尿草酸钙结石形成的有效部位。     

泽泻有效部位对肾草酸钙结石模型大鼠肾组织骨桥蛋白表达的影响

目的研究泽泻有效部位对大鼠肾草酸钙结石形成和肾组织骨桥蛋白(OPN)表达的影响,探讨泽泻抑制尿结石形成的机制。方法采用现代植化和生物活性导向分离的方法分离、提取泽泻的有效部位。将30只大鼠随机分成3组对照组、模型组、泽泻组。以乙二醇和1α-羟基维生素D3ig制备大鼠肾草酸钙结石模型。检测各组大鼠血及尿生化、肾Ca2 水平、24h尿草酸分泌量和肾组织病理学改变,并采用免疫印迹(Western blotting)和半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)分别观察各组大鼠肾组织OPN蛋白及其mRNA的表达水平。结果ig泽泻有效部位(主要以四环三萜类化合物为主)大鼠的血清肌酐(SCr)、尿素氮(BUN)、肾Ca2 水平、24h尿Ca2 分泌量、肾组织草酸钙晶体的分布、OPN蛋白及其mRNA的表达水平均显著低于模型组(P<0.01)。结论泽泻有效部位能抑制大鼠肾组织OPN的表达,减少肾组织草酸钙结晶的沉积,从而能有效抑制大鼠肾草酸钙结石的形成。     

Free radical scavengers, catalase and superoxide dismutase provide protection from oxalate-associated injury to LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells

PURPOSE: Current studies have provided evidence that exposure of renal epithelial cells to oxalate and calcium oxalate crystals induces lipid peroxidation and injures the cells. Since oxidant/antioxidant balance is likely to play a critical role, we determined the effect of antioxidant scavengers on production of free radicals and injury to LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells from exposure to oxalate (Ox) or Ox + calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells were grown in monolayers and exposed to 1.0 mmol. Ox or 1.0 mmol. Ox + 500 microg. /ml. COM crystals for 120 or 240 minutes. We measured the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a marker for cell injury and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were measured in the presence or absence of 400 U/ml. catalase, or superoxide dismutase (SOD). RESULTS: Exposure of LLC-PK1 cells to Ox resulted in a significant increase in MDA and release of LDH, which was further elevated when COM crystals were added. MDCK cells responded similarly to both challenges, but showed significantly less impact when compared with LLC-PK1 cells. Both treatments were associated with significant increase in the generation of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals by both cell types. In both cell lines, the addition of catalase or SOD significantly reduced the increase of MDA and release of LDH. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study indicate that both Ox and COM crystals are injurious to renal epithelial cells and the injury is associated with generation of free radicals. Cells of proximal tubular origin are more susceptible than those of distal tubules and collecting ducts. Free radical scavengers, catalase and SOD provide significant protection.     

Subchronic toxicity of ethylene glycol in Wistar and F-344 rats related to metabolism and clearance of metabolites.

Ethylene glycol (CAS RN 107-21-1) can cause kidney toxicity via the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in a variety of species, including humans. Numerous repeated dose studies conducted in rats have indicated that male rats are more susceptible than female rats. Furthermore, subchronic and chronic studies using different dietary exposure regimens have indicated that male Wistar rats may be more sensitive to renal toxicity than male Fischer-344 (F-344) rats. This study was conducted to compare the toxicity of ethylene glycol in the two strains of rats under identical exposure conditions and to evaluate the potential contribution of toxicokinetic differences to strain sensitivity. Ethylene glycol was mixed in the diet at concentrations to deliver constant target dosage levels of 0, 50, 150, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day for 16 weeks to groups of 10 male Wistar and 10 male F-344 rats based on weekly group mean body weights and feed consumption. Kidneys were examined histologically for calcium oxalate crystals and pathology. Samples of blood, urine, and kidneys from satellite animals exposed to 0, 150, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day for 1 or 16 weeks were analyzed for ethylene glycol, glycolic acid, and oxalic acid. Treatment of Wistar rats at 1000 mg/kg/day resulted in the death of two rats; in addition, at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, group mean body weights were decreased compared to control throughout the 16 weeks. In F-344 rats exposed at 1000 mg/kg/day and in Wistar rats receiving 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, there were lower urine specific gravities, higher urine volumes, and increased absolute and relative kidney weights. In both strains of rats treated at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, some or all treated animals had increased calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tubules and crystal nephropathy. The effect was more severe in Wistar rats than in F-344 rats. Accumulation of oxalic acid in the kidneys of both strains of rats was consistent with the dose-dependent and strain-dependent toxicity. As the nephrotoxicity progressed over the 16 weeks, the clearance of ethylene glycol and its metabolites decreased, exacerbating the toxicity. Benchmark dose analysis indicated a BMDL05 for kidney toxicity in Wistar rats of 71.5 mg/kg/day; nearly fourfold lower than in F-344 rats (285 mg/kg/day). This study confirms that the Wistar rat is more sensitive to ethylene glycol-induced renal toxicity than the F-344 rat and indicates that metabolism or clearance plays a role in the strain differences.     

姜黄素抗草酸钙结晶致大鼠肾损伤的机制研究

目的 探讨姜黄素对大鼠肾草酸钙结晶肾损伤的影响及可能机制。 方法 40只C57BL/6大鼠随机分为5组:模型组(乙醛酸盐100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)、不同剂量姜黄素(20,40,60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)干预组和空白对照组。干预4周后检测各组大鼠的血、尿生化指标,肾脏结晶,大鼠肾脏丙二醛(MDA)含量和血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)活性等指标; Western-blot检测各组大鼠肾组织中的核因子E2相关因子-2(NRF-2)和HO-1蛋白的表达含量。 结果 模型组大鼠的尿离子钙和尿草酸浓度分别为(3.37±0.13)和(2.50±0.05)mmol/L,相较于空白对照组大鼠[(2.27±0.17)和(2.04±0.05)mmol/L]显著升高(P<0.05); 模型组大鼠血清肌酐(SCr)水平、肾脏MDA含量、肾脏结晶及肾小管上皮细胞凋亡指数与空白对照组比较均显著升高(P<0.05)。随着姜黄素干预剂量的增加,大鼠的SCr和肾脏MDA含量呈下降趋势、肾脏结晶和肾小管上皮细胞凋亡指数有减轻趋势,与模型组比较,差别有统计学意义(P<0.05); 而肾脏HO-1活性程度、NRF-2蛋白和HO-1蛋白表达均呈升高趋势,与模型组比较,差别有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论 姜黄素可减轻大鼠草酸钙结晶引起的氧化应激肾损伤,减少草酸钙结晶形成,该作用可能与其上调NRF-2/HO-1蛋白表达有关。     

Lead (Pb2+)-induced calcium oxalate crystallization ex vivo is ameliorated via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) knockdown in a Drosophila melanogaster model of nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis causes severe pain and is a highly recurrent pathophysiological state. Calcium-containing stones, specifically calcium oxalate (CaOx), is the most common type accounting for approximately 75 % of stone composition. Genetic predisposition, gender, geographic region, diet, and low fluid intake all contribute to disease pathogenesis. However, exposure to environmental pollutants as a contribution to kidney stone formation remains insufficiently studied. Lead (Pb2+) is of particular interest as epidemiological data indicate that low-level exposure (BLL = 0.48–3.85 μM) confers a 35 % increased risk of developing CaOx nephrolithiasis. However, mechanisms underlying this association have yet to be elucidated. Drosophila melanogaster provide a useful genetic model where major molecular pathophysiological pathways can be efficiently studied. Malpighian tubules (MT) were isolated from either Wild-Type or InsP₃R knockdown flies and treated with oxalate (5 mM) ± Pb²⁺ (2μM) for 1 h. Following exposure, MTs were imaged and crystals quantified. CaOx crystal number and total area were significantly increased (˜5-fold) in Pb²⁺(pre-treatment) + oxalate-exposed MTs when compared to oxalate alone controls. However, CaOx crystal number and total crystal area in Pb²⁺ + oxalate-exposed InsP₃R knockdown MTs were significantly decreased (˜3-fold) indicating the role for principal cell-specific InsP₃R-mediated Ca²⁺ mobilization as a mechanism for Pb²⁺-induced increases in CaOx crystallization inset model of nephrolithiasis.     

La cristallurie dans l’intoxication à l’éthylène glycol

When seen, some habits of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals (whewellite) are so typical of ethylene glycol intoxication that they may be helpful for its diagnosis when circumstances are not clearly established.     

Role of Oxalobacter formigenes in preventing calcium oxalate kidney stones

Objective To screen Oxalobacter formigenes (OxF) from fresh feces of healthy adults, and study its effect on the the prevention of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Methods OxF was screened and cultured from fresh feces of healthy adults. The rat model of calcium oxalate stone was established by esophageal gavage of 0.8% of ethylene glycol. Rats were divided into a control group and four groups of rats with ethylene glycol-induced calcium oxalate kidney stones according to random number table. Three groups were treated with 106 CFU, 107 CFU, 108 CFU viable OxF every day, respectively, for 4 weeks. The blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected to detect the serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, serum and urine calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and urine oxalate every week. At the end of the 4th week, the rats were sacrificed and the kidney tissues were stained with HE and Yasue. The deposition and content of calcium oxalate crystals were observed under a light microscope. Results The bacteria strain isolated from fresh feces of healthy adults was 100% as same as the known ATCC35274 bacteria strain, which means the strain screened is OxF. Among the 5 groups, there were no significant differences in body weight, Scr, BUN, serum calcium, blood magnesium, blood phosphorus, urinary magnesium and urinary phosphorus. The 24-hour urinary calcium excretion in the model group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P＜0.05). After intervention with OxF solution, the 24-hour urinary calcium excretion in the 108 CFU OxF group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P＜0.05), while there was no significant difference between the other intervention groups and the model. The oxalic acid excretion of 106 CFU OxF group and 107 CFU OxF group was lower than that of the model, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P＞0.05). The 24 h oxalic acid excretion in the 108 CFU OxF group was significantly lower than that of the model at the end of first week (P＜0.05), and continued to decrease for the next 3 weeks. After 4 weeks of intervention, no crystal formation was observed in the control group under the deflection microscope, but a large amount of calcium oxalate crystals were formed in the renal cortex and renal medulla. The crystals were piled up and connected to each other. Yasue staining coincided with the calcium oxalate crystal in the same part of the kidneys. Compared with the model, there was no significant change in the score of calcium oxalate crystal in the kidneys of 106 CFU OxF group and 107 CFU OxF group, while the score of calcium oxalate crystal in the kidneys of 108 CFU OxF group was significantly lower (P＜0.05). Conclusions OxF are successively screened from healthy adults. Daily administration of 108 CFU OxF can safely and effectively reduce the urinary oxalic acid excretion, prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals and inhibit the formation of stones in kidneys of rats.