Calcium Oxalate Research Articles

Role of Rosmarinus officinalis Aqueous Extract in Relieving the Complications Associated with Ethylene Glycol-induced Urolithiasis in Male Rats

Background: Rosmarinus officinalis is considered one of the famous plants from ancient times for its therapeutic ability in many diseases, such as headache, spasms, brain disorders, and some pathological conditions associated with toxicity cases in the liver and kidneys. Aim: The current research has aimed, for the first time, to evaluate anti-urolithiatic effect of Rosmarinus officinalis aqueous extract (RMAE) on calcium oxalate stones formation in male rats and its possible therapeutic mechanisms of action. Evaluation of the polyphenols and flavonoid content in the extract was also performed. Methods: A calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis case was established in rats by adding ethylene glycol (1%) to the rats' daily drinking water for a duration of one month. Treatment was achieved by oral co-administration of RMAE to rats administrated ethylene glycol. Results: Phytochemical results showed that LC/MS-MS analysis led to the identification of 37 compounds in the phytoconstituent profile of RMAE. The biochemical results revealed significant improvement in serum kidney functions (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) in addition to restoring the calcium x phosphorous product and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the plant-treated group compared to the non-treated one. The data have been supported by the significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH) expression in the liver tissues, reflecting the decrease in oxalate synthesis in the liver compared to the non-treated group. Kidneys' histological examinations showed the absence of oxalate crystals in the treated group and the immunohistochemical findings of osteopontin (OPN) protein revealed the impact of RMAE on OPN expression in kidney tissues. Improvements in the femur bone fractures and the parathyroid gland in the treated group were also noticed during microscopic examinations. Conclusion: The anti-lithiatic effect of the extract was attributed to its influence on serum phosphate, serum PTH, and OPN levels in kidney tissues and decreasing synthesis of LDH in liver tissues in addition to the prevention of secondary disease incidences, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the plant's considerable content of phenolics and flavonoids has been found to play a role in controlling kidney stone progression episodes.

Study on sewage erosion resistance of nano titanium modified coral concrete

Sewage environments can significantly erode and degrade coral concrete, impacting its structural longevity. Moreover, the curing water environment greatly influences coral concrete's resistance to sewage erosion. This study investigated the modification of coral concrete with nano TiO2 to enhance its sewage erosion resistance. Concrete specimens with four different mass fractions of nano TiO2 were prepared and cured in three environments. Tests for compressive strength, flexural strength, and mass loss were conducted before and after 180 days of sewage exposure, and a corrosion coefficient was defined to evaluate resistance to sewage corrosion. While nano TiO2 significantly improved the mechanical properties and sewage erosion resistance of coral concrete, oxalic acid and seawater environments had adverse effects. Furthermore, increasing the nano TiO2 mass fraction initially enhanced and then reduced strength and resistance, while mass loss rates first decreased and then increased. The optimal nano TiO2 dosage of 4% resulted in a maximum increase of 22.2% in compressive strength, 33.2% in flexural strength, a 0.06 increase in the compressive corrosion resistance coefficient, and a 0.1 increase in the flexural corrosion resistance coefficient. At this dosage, compressive strengths of coral concrete cured in oxalic acid and seawater were 97.8% and 93.9% of those in freshwater, while flexural strengths were 97.8% and 94.4%, respectively, with slight decreases in corrosion resistance coefficients, accompanied by higher mass loss rates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that nano TiO2 promotes cement hydration, forming a dense structure by filling matrix pores. However, oxalic acid reacts with Ca(OH)2 to form calcium oxalate, slowing cement hydration, while MgCl2 in seawater reacts with Ca(OH)2, forming expansive Mg(OH)2, which increases internal concrete pores.

Analysis of components and related risk factors of urinary stones: a retrospective study of 1055 patients in southern China.

We conducted a retrospective study of 1055 patients with urinary stones who attended our single center from September 2017 to June 2024. Clinical data and laboratory indicators of patients were evaluated and compared with stone components. The most common type in our study was calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones (76.6%), followed by infection stones (13.2%) and uric acid (UA) stones (7.8%). Among the 1055 specimens, 899 (85.2%) cases were mixed component stones, of which calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) mixture were the most frequent (34.8%). There were only 156 cases (14.8%) of pure-component stones, of which anhydrous UA was the most frequent (7.0%). There were 738 males and 317 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.33:1. Male dominance was evident in CaOx stones (79.0 vs. 71.0%, P = 0.005). Female dominance was noted in infection stones (21.1 vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that higher serum albumin level was a risk factor for CaOx stone formation (OR = 2.959; 95% CI 1.470-5.953, P = 0.002). Women were more likely to develop infection stones than men (OR = 1.796; 95% CI 1.150-2.803, P = 0.010). As the urine pH increased, the risk of infection stones formation increased (OR = 2.521; 95% CI 1.809-3.513, P < 0.001). Moreover, a history of hypertension (OR = 2.339; 95% CI 1.409-3.881, P = 0.001), low urine pH (OR = 0.242; 95% CI 0.147-0.399, P < 0.001), and low serum albumin level (OR = 0.351; 95% CI 0.125-0.988, P = 0.047) were risk factors for the formation of UA stones.

Comprehensive analysis and validation of TP73 as a biomarker for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis using machine learning and in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis constitutes approximately 75% of nephrolithiasis cases, resulting from the supersaturation and deposition of CaOx crystals in renal tissues. Despite their prevalence, precise biomarkers for CaOx nephrolithiasis are lacking. With advances in high-throughput sequencing, we aimed to identify biomarkers of CaOx nephrolithiasis by combining twoCaOx nephrolithiasis datasets (GSE73680 and GSE117518). Utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and four machine learning, we identified six hub genes (DLK2, BHLHA15, C12orf5, ICMT, LOXHD1, and TP73) as potential biomarkers. Additionally, CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis suggested that these core genes may influence immune cell recruitment and infiltration in CaOx nephrolithiasis. Then, TP73 emerged as a significant hub gene in CaOx nephrolithiasis via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (AUC = 0.885). Furthermore, the role of TP73 was validated in CaOx nephrolithiasis rat models induced by 1% ethylene glycol, as well as clinical samples and renal tubular epithelial cell models treated with 1mM oxalate. Immunohistochemistry, RNA-Sequencing, and RT-qPCR experiments demonstrated an increased expression of TP73 in CaOx nephrolithiasis rat models and clinical samples. After transfection with TP73 lentivirus, CCK-8 assays suggested that TP73 could inhibit the proliferation of HK-2 and NRK-52E cells. In oxalate-induced cell models, dihydroethidium staining and flow cytometry apoptosis assays indicated that TP73 could enhance ROS levels and cell apoptosis. In summary, our study preliminarily identified TP73 as a diagnostic biomarker and elucidated the promoting role of TP73 in CaOx nephrolithiasis, providing a deeper understanding of the clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis.

Exploring the Anti-Urolithiatic Potential of White Seeds from Abrus Precatorius Via In Vitro Investigations

Medicinal plants are a valuable aspect of local heritage with global importance, often used as remedies for various health conditions. Their therapeutic properties are linked to a wide variety of complex chemical compounds, particularly secondary metabolites, found in different plant parts. Identifying the specific components responsible for medicinal effects is essential. Phytochemicals, which are abundant in medicinal plants, are generally considered safer and less toxic compared to synthetic alternatives. In line with this understanding, the present research investigates the in vitro anti-urolithiatic potential of white seeds of Abrusprecatorius. The seeds were chosen for their possible role in treating urolithiasis. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract revealed the presence of compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, proteins, glycosides, quinones, and tannins.Two In Vitro assays, Crystal Nucleation and Aggregation, were performed, both with and without inhibitors. The study tested various concentrations of plant extracts (50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 200mg/ml, and 250mg/ml) using four solvents: water, ethanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether, to assess their effect on calcium oxalate (CaOX) crystal formation, which is a primary component of kidney stones.Among the extracts tested, the water extract showed the highest inhibition of nucleation (85%) at a concentration of 250mg/ml. Aqueous, ethanol, and chloroform extracts exhibited notable anti-urolithiatic activity across different concentrations. Crystal aggregation was assessed using a spectrophotometer, and the water extract demonstrated the highest inhibition (78%) at the same concentration. Additionally, the chloroform extract showed significant anti-urolithiatic activity.When comparing extracts, the chloroform extract at 500mg/ml was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate crystals. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Abrusprecatorius white seed extracts in inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, aggregation, and growth, suggesting their potential as a treatment for urolithiasis. These results underscore the value of these extracts as promising agents in managing kidney stones

Revealing the molecular landscape of calcium oxalate renal calculi utilizing a tree shrew model: a transcriptomic analysis of the kidney.

Our comprehensive genomic investigation employing tree shrew calcium oxalate stone models unveils intricate links between kidney stone formation and diverse physiological systems. We identify a constellation of genes whose expression patterns point to multifaceted interactions among cardiovascular health, renal fibrosis, and bone homeostasis in the pathogenesis of renal calculi. Key players include CHIT1, TNFRSF18, CLEC4E, RGS1, DCSTAMP, and SLC37A2, which emerge as pivotal actors in arteriosclerosis, renal fibrosis, and osteoclastogenesis respectively, showcasing the complexity of stone disease. The downregulation of ADRA1D, LVRN, and ABCG8 underscores roles in urodynamics, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and vitamin D metabolism, linking these to nephrolithiasis. Comparative genomics across tree shrew, human (Randall's plaque), rat, and mouse identifies shared KEGG pathways including Calcium signaling, Actin cytoskeleton regulation, Neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, Complement and coagulation cascades, TRP channel regulation by inflammatory mediators, p53 signaling, and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis. These pathways underscore the interconnectedness of immune, inflammatory, and metabolic processes in stone development. Our findings suggest novel targets for future therapeutics and prevention strategies against nephrolithiasis, highlighting the need for a holistic view of the disease encompassing multiple pathogenic factors.

Herbal Drug Use to Treat Urolithiasis: An Updated Review

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12% of the world's population suffers from urolithiasis, a disorder that causes stones to develop in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra (the urinary system). The illness increases the likelihood of developing chronic renal illnesses in addition to impairing kidney function. Three phases make up the mechanism for the production of stones: nucleation, growth, and aggregation of crystals. Because of their medicinal and antioxidant properties, as well as their active substances, medicinal plants have positive benefits on human health. The traditional medicinal herbs' diuretic qualities are increasingly being backed by scientific research. Urinary calculi patients complain of hematuria, discomfort, or infection. Individuals with tiny, non-obstructing stones or staghorn calculi have moderate, easily managed symptoms in addition to other symptoms. The illness increases the likelihood of developing chronic renal illnesses in addition to impairing kidney function. Therefore, a plant's or a herbal formulation's antiurolithiatic effect may be the result of a combination of its antioxidant, diuretic, and crystallization-inhibiting properties. Keywords: Urolithiasis, diuresis, herbal drug, calcium oxalate stone

Traditional Plants Based Treatment for Kidney Stones: Insight into Herbal Drugs

The deposition of hard crystals created by mineral or salt buildup in the urine canal leads to kidney stones, a frequent urinary tract issue. Urine flow obstruction and excruciating discomfort can be caused by kidney stones. Numerous processes can lead to oxidative stress, which raises the probability of kidney stones developing. The inflammatory response that results from kidney stones forming exacerbates oxidative stress further, creating a vicious cycle. This urological condition, which affects both male and female populations, is becoming more widespread worldwide. Planning the volume of urine produced is a crucial stage in the elimination of kidney stones. Surgery such as shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) is used to treat conditions when the stone has ceased passing through and is causing excruciating discomfort. Because of their medicinal and antioxidant properties, as well as their active substances, medicinal plants have positive benefits on human health. Regrettably, end-stage renal disease is frequently the consequence of side effects brought on the traditional medications used to treat nephrolithiasis. Kidney stones can be avoided by controlling nutrition intake, medication usage, and diet. Agents that are urolithotriptic are medicinal herbs. Examining the natural plants that are utilized to treat the illness is the goal of this review. Finding natural plants that can be used to cure kidney stones was made easier by this review. Keywords: Kidney stones, Urolithiasis, diuresis, herbal drug, calcium oxalate stone

Crystalline deposit in lichens: Determination of crystals with regard to practical application in standard taxonomic studies

The presence of various crystal forms is quite often noticed in lichens from manytaxonomic groups. The crystalline deposit may be linked with the production of secondary metabolites or metal oxalates as well as to the uptake of calcium carbonate from the host substrate. Although the crystals are clearly visible under a microscope employing polarized light, their detailed determination is very difficult without the use of specialized equipment and analytical methods. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for the surface of lichen thalli to be covered with apparent pruina, which is formed by masses of calcium oxalate crystals. Regardless of their origin and distribution, crystalline products can perform an important functional role and enhance the adaptation of a given species to a specific habitat. Moreover, the presence and kind of crystals can be species-specific or characteristic of a certain group of species and, therefore, may constitute a useful diagnostic feature. We intended to examine the extent to which standard methods used in lichen taxonomy, such as solubility tests in chemical reagents, allow for the basic determination of crystals. We indicate the basic differences between various crystal deposits that can be observed inside or outside the lichen thallus. The presented results are based on examining selected specimens representing various lichen genera.

Pharmacological activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 inhibits ferroptosis via SLC7A11/GPX4 axis to reduce kidney stone formation.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones pose a global health challenge due to their high prevalence and recurrence rates. While cell death mechanisms such as ferroptosis are known to play a crucial role in stone formation, the precise underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a metabolic enzyme of the ferroptosis product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). However, the function of ALDH2 in kidney stones is poorly understood. In this study, we observed a downregulation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in the stone group. Significantly, the administration of Alda-1, an ALDH2 agonist, notably reduced crystal deposition in the kidneys and hindered crystal adhesion to cells. Furthermore, Alda-1 induced upregulation of SLC7A11 expression, promoting glutathione synthesis, reducing lipid peroxidation accumulation, and lowering Fe2+ levels. These collective effects attenuated crystal-induced ferroptosis. However, the renoprotective effects of Alda-1 were inhibited by SLC7A11 siRNA. In conclusion, our study explores the applications of Alda-1 and highlights the potential of targeting ALDH2 as a promising therapeutical strategy for urolithiasis.

Outcome of Ultrasonography-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for the Management of Pediatric Urolithiasis.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the outcomes of ultrasonography (US)-guided minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 176 patients with pediatric renal and upper ureteral lithotripsy who underwent PCNL between August 2006 and July 2022. The cohort comprised 110 men and 66 women, with ages ranging from 6 months to 16 years. Postoperative stone clearance was evaluated using kidney, ureter, and bladder radiograph or US, categorizing stones less than 4 mm as clear. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, with grades I and II considered minor and III and IV classified as major. Results: Among the patients, 152 underwent unilateral renal operation, whereas 24 underwent bilateral renal operation. The average operation duration was 67.41 minutes (range: 15-195 minutes). The mean duration of nephrostomy tube removal was 3.79 days, and the mean postsurgical hospital stay was 5.97 days. A total of 146 patients experienced a decrease in hemoglobin concentration post operation, with an average drop of 10.57 g/dL (range: 0.5-37.8 g/dL). Initial stone-free rate (SFR) was achieved in 85.5% (171/200) of cases, and the final SFR was 92.50% (185/200). The postoperative rate of minor complications was 8.54% (17/199), whereas major complications occurred in 12.06% (24/199) of cases. During the 6-month to 11-year follow-up period, 19 patients presented with combined stones, and of these 4 presented with ipsilateral stone recurrence who underwent PCNL treatment. Calcium oxalate was identified as the most common stone component. Conclusions: US-guided minimally invasive PCNL demonstrated excellent SFR and an acceptable complication rate in the management of pediatric urolithiasis. Furthermore, it offers the advantage of minimizing potential risks associated with radiation exposure during the procedure.

Pressure reduction and suction characteristics of the new digital single use flexible ureteroscope with suction: an in-vitro experimental study.

To assess the time taken by the single use 7.5Fr suction flexible ureteroscope to reduce pressure under 40mm Hg and to characterize the behavior of stones, fragments and dust during suction activation. An in vitro setting was developed for this experiment. A saline-filled globe, with the 7.5Fr single-use suction flexible ureteroscope, PU3033AH (ZhuHai Pusen Medical Technology Co, Ltd, Guangdon, China), an automatic irrigation pump and a pressure monitoring set were used at four modalities; i) continuous suction, no irrigation inflow; ii) continuous suction, irrigation inflow on; iii) one-second rate intermittent suction, irrigation inflow on, and iv) half-second rate intermittent suction, irrigation inflow on. The behavior of calcium oxalate stones from 0.5 to 5mm when being aspirated via the ureteroscope into a plastic container filled with saline was recorded. Suction with the PU3033AH worked properly with the inflow irritation on. The fastest strategy to lower the pressure was by continuously pressing the suction button with the irrigation inflow on. Overall, the median time to reach 40mg was roughly 3.5s. The PU3033AH could aspirate 0.5mm stones. The suction mode on a continuous pattern allowed the relocation of stones ranging from 1 to 5mm on an experimental setup with no obstacles. The PU3033AH was efficient in lowering pressure in a closed cavity mimicking the renal pelvis. Likewise, stone fragments under one millimeter were aspirated by the device whereas stones from one to five mm could be displaced when activating suction in continuous mode on an experimental setup with no obstacles.

Sirtuin1 Suppresses Calcium Oxalate Nephropathy via Inhibition of Renal Proximal Tubular Cell Ferroptosis Through PGC-1α-mediated Transcriptional Coactivation.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals induce renal tubular epithelial cell injury and subsequent nephropathy. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, single-cell transcriptome sequencing is performed on kidney samples from mice with CaOx nephrocalcinosis. Renal proximal tubular cells are identified as the most severely damaged cell population and are accompanied by elevated ferroptosis. Further studies demonstrated that sirtuin1 (Sirt1) effectively reduced ferroptosis and CaOx crystal-induced kidney injury in a glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-dependent manner. Mechanistically, Sirt1 relies on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) to promote resistance to ferroptosis in the tubular epithelium, and PGC-1α can recruit nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) to the promoter region of GPX4 and co-activate GPX4 transcription. This work provides new insight into the mechanism of CaOx crystal-induced kidney injury and identifies Sirt1 and PGC-1α as potential preventative and therapeutic targets for crystal nephropathies.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract Red (Jatropha gossypifolia) Leaves Against Bacterial Skin Infections by Agar Diffusion

Red Jatropha gossypifolia plant is a type of Jatropha with purplish red leaves which the chemical compounds are found are calcium oxalate, jatroidene, interquinones, flavonoids, flobatin and phenolics, and these compounds can be used as an anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial. The aim of this research is to determine the antibacterial activity of red Jatropha leaves ethanol extract against bacteria causes skin infections by Agar Diffusion. The result of screening antibacterial test of red Jatropha leaves ethanol extract with a concentration of 0,1% active against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acne and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The result of analysis Minimum Inhibitor Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) ethanol extract obtained MIC value = 0.1% to bacteria acid, MBC value = 0.05% to bacteria acid, and the result of antibacterial activity of ethanol extract obtained the largest inhibitory zone diameter at a concentration of 12.8% was 13.577 mm against Staphylococcus aureus.

Urinary Stone Composition Analysis of 1465 Patients: The First Series from Azerbaijan.

Urinary stone disease is a prevalent health issue worldwide, with varying incidence influenced by multiple factors. This study aims to provide the first comprehensive analysis of urinary stone composition in Azerbaijan. A retrospective study was conducted on 1465 patients, aged 1‒83 years, who underwent biochemical urinary stone analysis at the Department of Renal Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Azerbaijan State Security Service Military Hospital, between April 2015 and December 2023. Stone samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM® SPSS software version 29.0. The cohort had a median age of 45 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.65:1. Calcium oxalate stones were the most common (56.2%), followed by uric acid (33.7%), struvite (5.3%), cystine (2.5%), calcium phosphate (1.9%), and xanthine (0.1%) stones. Men had a higher prevalence of calcium oxalate and uric acid stones, while women had more struvite stones. Mixed stones were common, particularly among uric acid and struvite stones. Significant differences in stone composition were observed between age groups and genders, with uric acid stones found predominantly in older individuals. This study highlights the predominance of calcium oxalate stones and the elevated prevalence of uric acid stones in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the need for tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The high prevalence of mixed stones underscores the complexity of urinary stone disease and the need for comprehensive metabolic evaluation and individualized preventive strategies.

Correlation and Prediction of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 Plasma Levels in Patients with Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis.

Calcium oxalate urolithiasis, commonly referred to as kidney stones, is a prevalent condition marked by the development of solid crystals within the urinary system. Currently, there is no established treatment to cure calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The underlying processes of calcium oxalate urolithiasis remain unclear, and the aim of this study was to clarify the correlation and prediction of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 plasma levels in patients with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In this study, we explored the role of body mass index, eating habits score, levels of IL-10Ra and DKK-4, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, blood urea nitrogen, and blood uric acid in HCC. In total, 85 patients with COU, attending our hospitals between January 2022 and June 2023, were enrolled in this study as experimental group (n = 85), and 85 healthy individuals, who underwent physical examinations during the same period, were collected as control group (n = 85). The obtained blood samples were collected for further testing. Numerous assays, including ELISA assay, western blot, and qRT-PCR, were employed to investigate the role of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 in calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The results indicate that the upregulation of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 may accelerate the progression of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The logistic regression analysis indicates that the levels of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 positively correlated with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In summary, the expression levels of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 positively correlated with the progression of calcium oxalate urolithiasis, suggesting that IL-10Ra and DKK-4 could serve as potential predictive factors and risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Empagliflozin reduces renal calcium oxalate deposition in hyperoxaluria rats induced with ethylene glycol-ammonium chloride

A retrospective study reported that empagliflozin reduced the risk of urinary stone events in patients with diabetes mellitus. To further investigate empagliflozin's potential, we conducted an animal experiment to determine whether empagliflozin can prevent renal stone formation in hyperoxaluria rats. Hyperoxaluria rat models were constructed by administrating 0.75 % ethylene glycol and 1 % ammonium chloride in water. The empagliflozin-treated rats were gauged with empagliflozin at different concentrations, and their body weight and blood sugar data were recorded. After 30 days of treatment, we obtained 24-h urine, kidney, and blood samples. The urine samples were subjected to component detection. Blood samples were prepared for component detection and cytokines detection. Renal samples were subjected to von Kossa staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptome sequencing analysis. Results showed that in empagliflozin-treated hyperoxaluria rats, renal crystal deposition and mitochondria injury, urinary concentration, and excretion of oxalate were significantly decreased. Additionally, plasma levels of VEGF, IL-2, IL-1β, and MCP-1 were decreased. Immunohistochemistry showed that renal expression of KIM-1, MCP-1 was significantly decreased in empagliflozin-treated hyperoxaluria rats. Transcriptome sequencing of renal tissue represented that 25 genes were down-regulated while 12 were up-regulated in empagliflozin-treated hyperoxaluria rats. These regulated genes were mainly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, insulin resistance, muscle contraction, bile secretion, and parathyroid metabolism. Our animal experiments found that empagliflozin could reduce urinary concentration and excretion of oxalate and inhibit renal inflammation, then abating renal calcium oxalate deposition in hyperoxaluria rats in a non-diabetic state.

Does drinking coffee reduce the risk of kidney stone formation?

Introduction: Kidney stones, a prevalent urological issue affecting 2% to 15% of the global population, result from complex physicochemical processes in urine. Untreated stones can lead to severe complications like ureter blockage and kidney damage. Diet plays a crucial role in stone formation, with historical negative views on coffee consumption. However, new research shows potential benefits of coffee. The purpose of this review was to analyze the association between coffee consumption and the risk of developing kidney stones. State of knowledge: Kidney stones develop as solid masses in the kidney's collecting system and can consist of various substances like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and cystine. Understanding the formation of kidney stones involves analyzing the role of crystal retention. Coffee consumption has shown potential benefits in reducing the risk of kidney stones by influencing urine composition. Additionally, oxalate and calcium are key dietary components to consider in kidney stone prevention strategies. Coffee has demonstrated diverse health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions. Its impact on blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and neuroprotection highlights its potential role in promoting overall well-being. Conclusions: Coffee consumption, particularly due to its caffeine content and other compounds like chlorogenic acid, may reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Caffeine has shown anti-lithogenic properties, decreasing oxalate excretion and increasing magnesium and potassium excretion, potentially preventing stone formation. A study by P. Peerapen and V. Thongboonkerd highlighted caffeine's role in reducing crystal adhesion to renal cells as a key mechanism in preventing kidney stones. In summary, coffee's diverse components could provide protection against kidney stone development.

Pollen morphology and fruit anatomy of the enigmatic monotypic genus Dicranocarpus (Coreopsideae, Asteraceae)

Dicranocarpus is a monotypic genus endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert with atypical attributes among species of tribe Coreopsideae. Phylogenetic position of Dicranocarpus parviflorus has been controversial. A molecular phylogeny showed that the taxon was closely related to Dahlia; however, further analyses with a wider sampling of Dahlia, also including Hidalgoa, identified the genus in a more distant clade. The objective of this study is to gather anatomical attributes from the cypselae as well as palynological characters along with macromorphology to determine whether Dicranocarpus shares characters with these genera in Coreopsideae. Our results show that although the pollen of D. parviflorus does not possess attributes that distinguish it from the rest of the tribe Coreopsideae, they were useful to confirm its membership in the tribe. The cypselae anatomy identified that D. parviflorus has characters of taxonomic value that differentiate this species from the rest of the Coreopsideae. The three most significant novel characters in Dicranocarpus were in the outer mesocarp, consisting of tracheoidal-like cells forming irregular rows up to 250 μm in length, an aerenchyma in the middle mesocarp, and the lack of phytomelanin and calcium oxalate crystals. Furthermore, the results of the phytomelanin patterns in the studied taxa highlight the need for further anatomical studies of the cypselae to fully understand the evolution of phytomelanin deposition in the tribe Coreopsideae and even in the Heliantheae Alliance. Macromorphological, palynological and anatomical attributes of the cypsela in Dicranocarpus were not shared with Dahlia. Moreover, the sexual condition of the disc and ray florets shared with Hidalgoa has evolved independently in lineages of Asteraceae.

Current Trends and Technological Advancements in the Use of Oxalate-Degrading Bacteria as Starters in Fermented Foods—A Review

Nephrolithiasis is a medical condition characterized by the existence or development of calculi, commonly referred to as stones within the renal system, and poses significant health challenges. Calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate are the predominant constituents of renal calculi and are introduced into the human body primarily via dietary sources. The presence of oxalates can become particularly problematic when the delicate balance of the normal flora residing within the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. Within the human gut, species of Oxalobacter, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium coexist in a symbiotic relationship. They play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of stone formation by modulating certain biochemical pathways and producing specific enzymes that can facilitate the breakdown and degradation of oxalate salts. The probiotic potential exhibited by these bacteria is noteworthy, as it underscores their possible utility in the prevention of nephrolithiasis. Investigating the mechanisms by which these beneficial microorganisms exert their effects could lead to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of kidney stones. The implications of utilizing probiotics as a preventive measure against kidney stone formation represent an intriguing frontier in both nephrology and microbiome research, meriting further investigation to unlock their full potential.