Mineralization in Health and Mechanism of Kidney Stone Formation

Abstract

Mineralization is the process by which minerals are deposited within or outside of the cells. Healthy mineralization occurs in bones, otoconia of ear and teeth, while pathological mineralization can take place in soft tissues. The mechanisms which govern mineralization in health and disease are likely similar. Presence of organic matter is one of the major common factors in both physiological and pathological mineralization processes. The control and regulation of healthy mineralization processes can develop an insight into regulation of pathological mineralization, specifically nephrolithiasis. Crystallisation process in kidney stone formation involves nucleation and growth, epitaxy and aggregation. Identification and study of promoters and inhibitors of nucleation and subsequent growth of crystals, the identification of constituents of crystal matrix and their roles in the pathology of urolithiasis is the prime focus of urolithiasis research. Calcium and phosphate homeostasis ensures that mineralization takes place at the right places and abnormal mineralization is prevented. The purpose of this review is, thus, to understand healthy mineralization in bones, teeth and ears and to use this knowledge for better understanding of mechanism of kidney stone formation.