Correlation between Ion Composition of Oligomineral Water and Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation

Manuela Rossi,Gerardino D’Errico,Dante Di Domenico,Antonio Fabozzi,Domenico Prezioso,Rodolfo Esposito,Biagio Barone

doi:10.3390/cryst11121507

Abstract

The ion content of drinking water might be associated with urinary stone formation, representing a keystone of conservative nephrolithiasis management. However, the effects of specific ions on calcium oxalate crystal formation and their mechanism of action are still highly controversial. We report an investigation of the effects of oligomineral waters with similar total salt amount but different ion composition on calcium oxalate (CaOx) precipitation in vitro, combining gravimetric and microscopic assays. The results suggest that the “collective” physicochemical properties of the aqueous medium, deriving from the ion combination rather than from a single ionic species, are of importance. Particularly, the ability of ions to strengthen/weaken the aqueous medium structure determines an increase/decrease in the interfacial energy, modulating the formation and growth of CaOx crystals.

Highlights

Nephrolithiasis, i.e., the formation of kidney stones, is one of the most common and painful urologic disorders, affecting up to 10–12% of men and 5–6% of women worldwide [1]
We present an investigation, based on gravimetric and microscopic assays, of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation artificially induced in two oligomineral waters commercially available in Italy
We have proposed a method based on the gravimetric and microscopic study of CaOx crystal formation artificially induced in two oligomineral waters

Summary

Introduction

Nephrolithiasis, i.e., the formation of kidney stones, is one of the most common and painful urologic disorders, affecting up to 10–12% of men and 5–6% of women worldwide [1]. In Europe, the average probability of kidney stone formation is 5–9% per year, with a high incidence in Mediterranean and Scandinavian countries [2]. The etiology of this condition resides in the deposition and aggregation of crystalline concretions, which are derived from altered metabolic processes, in renal tissue and pelvis [3]. The quantity and quality of water intake have been proposed to be associated with urinary stone formation, representing a possible means of conservative nephrolithiasis management

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Discussion

Conclusion