Abstract
Crystals and nano- and microparticles form inside the human body from intrinsic proteins, minerals, or metabolites or enter the body as particulate matter from occupational and environmental sources. Associated tissue injuries and diseases mostly develop from cellular responses to such crystal deposits and include inflammation, cell necrosis, granuloma formation, tissue fibrosis, and stone-related obstruction of excretory organs. But how do crystals and nano- and microparticles trigger these biological processes? Which pathomechanisms are identical across different particle types, sizes, and shapes? In addition, which mechanisms are specific to the atomic or molecular structure of crystals or to specific sizes or shapes? Do specific cellular or molecular mechanisms qualify as target for therapeutic interventions? Here, we provide a guide to approach this diverse and multidisciplinary research domain. We give an overview about the clinical spectrum of crystallopathies, about shared and specific pathomechanisms as a conceptual overview before digging deeper into the specialty field of interest.
Highlights
Atoms or ions aggregating in a periodic manner endorse a spontaneous self-perpetuating growth of regular-shaped crystals
A guide to crystal biology there unique pathomechanisms specific to single molecular crystal entities, crystal shapes, or sizes [2]? Here, we provide a guide into general concepts of this research domain, highlight some of the recent research activities, and provide key references for further reading
NLRP3-driven inflammation and several pathways of regulated necrosis contribute to acute necroinflammation, for example, in acute gouty arthritis or acute dust exposures
Summary
Atoms or ions aggregating in a periodic manner endorse a spontaneous self-perpetuating growth of regular-shaped crystals. Dying cells form crystals of uric acid, as well as eosinophil granule releases form Charcot–Leyden crystals (CLCs) that serve as dangerassociated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and trigger inflammation [15,16] Another route of exposure to crystals and crystalline particles is environmental exposures where particulates enter the human body from the outside. Polycrystalline particles that aggregate and grow to the size of calculi and stone can fill body cavities and ducts up to mechanical obstruction and organ failure, for example, in diseases such as biliary colic, unilateral or bilateral renal colic, nephrocalcinosis, acute pancreatitis, and sialolithiasis [13,25,26]. Crystals may form inside the human body via various physiological processes as well as enter the human body from various extrinsic sources like air pollution, and occupational, environmental dust and induce colic, inflammation, and tissue necrosis, and occasionally might lead to organ failure
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