Oxalate regulates crystal-cell adhesion and macrophage metabolism via JPT2/PI3K/AKT signaling to promote the progression of kidney stones

Oxalate is an organic dicarboxylic acid that is a common component of plant foods.The kidneys are essential organs for oxalate excretion,but excessive oxalates may induce kidney stones.Jupiter microtubule associated homolog 2(JPT2)is a critical molecule in Ca^(2+)mobilization,and its intrinsic mechanism in oxalate exposure and kidney stones remains unclear.This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of JPT2 in oxalate exposure and kidney stones.Genetic approaches were used to control JPT2 expression in cells and mice,and the JPT2 mechanism of action was analyzed using transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics.The results showed that oxalate exposure triggered the upregulation of JPT2,which is involved in nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NAADP)-mediated Ca^(2+)mobilization.Transcriptomic analysis revealed that cell adhesion and macrophage inflammatory polarization were inhibited by JPT2 knockdown,and these were dominated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling,respectively.Untargeted metabolomics indicated that JPT2 knockdown inhibited the production of succinic acid semialdehyde(SSA)in macrophages.Furthermore,JPT2 deficiency in mice inhibited kidney stones mineralization.In conclusion,this study demonstrates that oxalate exposure facilitates kidney stones by promoting crystal-cell adhesion,and modulating macrophage metabolism and inflammatory polarization via JPT2/PI3K/AKT signaling.

Clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large kidney stones:A retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND Renal stones ranging 20–40 mm are very common in China.Although no largesample clinical studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy and safety of this method,there is also a lack of comparative data with traditional treatment.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)and percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)by postoperative stone clearance and changes in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(sVCAM-1)and kidney injury molecule 1(KIM-1)levels in patients with large kidney stones(>2 cm in diameter).METHODS This single-center observational study was performed at a Chinese hospital between January 1,2021,and October 30,2023.All 250 enrolled patients were diagnosed with large kidney stones(>2 cm)and divided into a FURS group(n=145)and a PCNL group(n=105)by the surgical method.The FURS group was treated with flexible ureteroscopy and the PCNL group was treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.The operation time,time to palinesthesia,intraoperative blood loss,drop in hemoglobin,length of hospital stay,stone clearance rate,and complications were recorded in the two groups.Preoperative and postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),urine KIM-1 levels,preoperative and postoperative pain visual analog scale(VAS)and Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire(WISQOL)scores were also documented.RESULTS All 250 eligible patients completed the follow-up.There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05).The operation time in the FURS group was significantly greater than that in the PCNL group.The time to ambulation,intraoperative blood loss,decrease in hemoglobin,and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group.The FURS group also had a significantly higher stone clearance rate and a lower incidence of postoperative complications.There was no significant difference in antibiotic use between the groups.Postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels,urine KIM-1 levels,and VAS scores were lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group,but postoperative ESR and WISQOL scores were greater in the FURS group than in the PCNL group.CONCLUSION FURS demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in treating large kidney stones(>2 cm in diameter)compared PCNL.It not only improved the postoperative stone clearance rate and reduced complications and recovery time but also positively affected serum SCM-1,ESR,and urine KIM-1 levels,subsequent improvement of patient quality of life.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Renalof® versus Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for the Treatment of Kidney Stones ≤ 1 cm in Nicaragua

Objectives: To assess the efficiency in terms of cost-effectiveness (CE) of oral Renalof® treatment versus extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of kidney stones ≤ 1 cm in Nicaragua. Methods: A cost-effectiveness economic evaluation was carried out based on the results obtained in the randomised, prospective, observational, single-blind, prospective, phase 2 clinical trial. Cost-effectiveness and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. Economic data were obtained from the Economics Department of Clínica Senior in Managua, Nicaragua. The monetary cost was expressed in US dollars (USD). Results: Treatment with Renalof® yielded a CE of $1,323.08/% remission, while ESWL was $9,498.54/% remission. The ICER shows that, in order to achieve a high percentage of kidney stone remission with ESWL, an extra $4,734.70 per patient must be invested. Conclusions: The use of Renalof® is shown to be a more cost-effective option than ESWL. It is recommended for the treatment of kidney stones ≤ 1 cm in size.

Treatment of Kidney Stones by Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Evaluation of the Results of the First Series of Our Experience in the Urology Department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital in Dakar

The principle of PCNL is the extraction through a nephrostomy channel of kidney stones which are defined as the presence of crystalline concretions in the kidneys. Objectives: The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of patients with renal lithiasis treated by PCNL and on the other hand the different technical aspects of PCNL. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, conducted in the urology department of HOGIP, covering the period from January 2015 to January 2019. We studied the demographic and clinical aspects of patients presenting renal lithiasis;we also studied the technical aspects and treatment outcomes. Statistical significance was set for α = 0.05. Results: Our series covered 82 PCNLs performed during the study period. The average age was 45.95 years, the age group [40 - 49 years] was more affected. Our study involved 44 men and 38 women, a sex ratio of 1.15. At the clinic, atypical lumbar pain was more frequent in 45.83% of cases. On URO-CT, the calculations were located more at the pyelic level (31.2%) and lower caliceal (27.2%). The size of stones measured between 15 and 20 mm in 30.52%. The stone density was between 500 and 1000 HU in 47.54% of cases. Intraoperatively, the patients were placed in lateral decubitus in 41.46% of cases. Only one access to the kidney was necessary in 87.8% of cases. The lithoclast was used in 65.85% of cases. The overall success rate (stone free) in our series was 96%. The majority of cases, 41.44%, drainage were done by natural means (totally tubeless). The average duration was 92 minutes. The complications encountered in our experience concerned 10 cases, a rate of 12.19%. Conclusion: Urinary lithiasis is more and more frequent in our regions. The development of Endo-urology offers several therapeutic options. Thus, PCNL occupies an important place in the management of kidney stones.

Clinical Application Study of Super-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Treatment of Kidney Stones

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and complication rates of different stone fragmentation techniques in the treatment of kidney stones.Methods:This study selected 100 patients with urinary stones treated at the Third Division General Hospital from 2021 to November 2023 as subjects.The control group(n=50)received conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)for stone fragmentation,while the research group(n=50)received super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy(SMP)treatment.Surgical parameters,stone clearance rates,recurrence rates,and complication rates were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment,the surgical parameters in the research group were significantly better than those in the control group.The research group had a higher stone clearance rate and lower rates of stone recurrence and complications(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared with conventional PCNL,SMP shows better clinical outcomes for patients with kidney stones.It improves surgical parameters,increases stone clearance rates,and reduces both stone recurrence and complication rates,making it a valuable technique for clinical reference.

Tea Consumption is Associated with Increased Risk of Kidney Stones in Northern Chinese： A Cross-sectional Study

Kidney stones are a common urinary system condition that can progress to kidney disease. Previous studies on the association between tea consumption and kidney stones are inconsistent. A cross-sectional study to investigate the association between tea consumption and kidney stones was conducted from 2013 to 2014 and recruited 9,078 northern Chinese adults. A total of 8,807 participants were included in the final analysis. Participants＇ prevalence of kidney stones was 1.07%, 1.73%, and 2.25% based on their tea consumption frecluencv of never, occasionally,

Impact of the adherence to medical treatment on the main urinary metabolic disorders in patients with kidney stones

Objective:To assess the effect of the adherence to medical treatment on urinary parameters in the 24-h metabolic study of patients with kidney stones.Methods:A retrospective,longitudinal,descriptive,and observational study was carried out by reviewing the hospital electronic medical record from 2014 to 2018.The adherence to drug treatment was measured 6 months after its initiation,and the numerical values of the metabolic studies were compared.Wilcoxon tests were performed to compare the difference before and after treatment.Results:Ninety patients were evaluated,with 73.3% of adherence.The 180-day overall adherence rate was 61.2% in patients treated with a single drug and 85.4% in patients treated with multiple drugs.There is a statistically significant increase in citrate levels in patients with good adherence in comparison with non-adherent patients(p=0.031 vs.p=0.528).Conclusions:Medical treatment and dietary measures in patients with kidney stones have an initial impact at 6 months on the values of the main urinary metabolic alterations that predispose to calculi formation;the most significant is seen in those patients with adherence to medical treatment for hypocitraturia.

Comparative Analysis of Kidney Stone Composition in Patients from Ghana and South Africa: Case Study of Kidney Stones from Accra and Cape Town

Background: Kidney stone disease, also termed nephrolithiasis is associated with significant morbidities such as severe colicky flank pain, haematuria, urinary tract infection and kidney failure. Kidney stone disease was perceived as uncommon in developing countries;however, the global prevalence has been rising over the past two decades due to lifestyle changes. There is very limited literature on kidney stone composition in Africa, including Ghana and South Africa. It was based on this evidence that this study was undertaken. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to describe and compare the composition of kidney stone in patients receiving treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra (Ghana) and Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), Cape Town (South Africa). Methods: The study was a retrospective folder review of patients treated for nephrolithiasis at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra (Ghana) and Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town (South Africa). Patients who were treated for kidney stone disease between 1st June 2016 and 31st May 2018 were recruited, and their folder numbers were retrieved from theatre logbooks. A total of hundred and sixty-three (n = 163) folders (n = 30 KBTH;n = 133 GSH) were subsequently retrieved from the two facilities’ records department. Demographic data and kidney stone analysis results were analyzed using the R statistical software. Results: The age of KBTH patients ranged from 24 to 75 years and age of 45 years, while that of GSH ranged 19 to 77 years and median age 48 years respectively. Males were the majority stone formers for both hospitals [56.7% KBTH;59.4% GSH]. There was no statistical difference in gender (p = 0.9447) and age (p = 0.2612) between the two groups. Calcium oxalate (86.7%) and uric acid (90.0%) were the commonest components of the kidney stones analyzed from the KBTH. Calcium oxalate (66.2%) and carbonate apatite (40.6%) were the most common components stones from GSH. Brushite (3.0%), cystine (3.8%) and struvite (19.6%) stones were only found in GSH patients. All kidney stones from the KBTH were mixed stones. Pure kidney stones were only found among the GSH dataset constituting 48.9%, also female patients from GSH formed more mixed stones than their male counterparts (M:F = 40.5%:66.67%) and infection kidney stones were also predominantly found among female patients. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the two facilities’ participants are not different in terms of gender and age. However, the composition of stones was found to be different between participants from both hospitals. This suggests that kidney stone composition may be influenced by patients’ geographical location and or cultural background.

Effectiveness of Using Renalof®in the Elimination of Kidney Stones under 10 mm Located in the Renal-Ureteral Tract

Background: In view of the high recurrence of kidney stones in patients, the search for less aggressive, preventive treatments has become increasingly essential. Renalof® offers a phytotherapy alternative. Due to its diuretic and kidney stone demineralisation properties, it has been widely used in this patient population, disintegrating and eliminating calcium oxalate and struvite kidney stones painlessly in the genitourinary system. Methods: A Phase II, randomised, prospective, observational, single-blind study with two treatment arms was conducted in order to determine the efficacy of this alternative therapy: a total of 155 patients were enrolled, 120 were assigned to a Renalof® treatment group and 35 to the placebo group. All were over 18 years of age, of both genders, diagnosed with kidney stones of under 10 mm in diameter, present along the entire renal-ureteral-vesicular tract, diagnosed by ultrasound and renal CAT scan. Divided into two study arms, 120 were administered a dosage of a single 325 mg capsule of the Renalof® product half an hour before the two main meals for 3 months. The presence of kidney stones in any part of the renal-ureteral tract was assessed at monthly consultations using one of the above-mentioned diagnostic tools. Results: Study results show a high rate of effectiveness with Renalof®, finding up to a 65% expulsion rate (78 patients) in the first 8 weeks of treatment, compared to 11.4% (4 patients) in the placebo control group, P < 0.001. It is likely a longer follow-up period would be necessary in patients with kidney stones of 10 mm in diameter or larger than the period applied in the study. Discussion: We strongly recommend the inclusion of this product in kidney stone disease management protocols, especially for patients with kidney stones under 10 mm in diameter, where high response and effectiveness have been observed. Thus, it should be evaluated to reduce surgical treatment costs, as well as those for possible colic episodes and other associated complications.

The Influence of Kidney Stones and Salivary Uric Acid on Dental Calculus Formation and Periodontal Status among Some Saudi Patients Aged 25 - 70 Years

Background: The formation of kidney stones is considered a complicated process. Consequently, there are many questions about the link between kidney stones formation and level of salivary uric acid and calculus formation on the teeth surfaces. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between the level of salivary uric acid and kidney stones formation and their influence on dental calculus and periodontal status among Saudi patients aged 25 - 70 years. Materials and Methods: 120 Saudi male patients were examined (60 of Kidney stones patients and 60 patients of non-kidney stones patients) for clinical evaluation of plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), calculus index of oral hygiene (CI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Moreover, lab assessment of uric acid level in the collected salivary samples was done. The findings were analyzed using of ANOVA test and Tukey’s test. Results: There were statistically significant differences in clinical parameters among kidney stones patients and non-kidney stones patients (p < 0.05), but these differences were highly statistically significant in the correlation between calculus index (CI), plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI) among kidney stone patients in group II, moreover, PLI and clinical attachment loss (CAL) among kidney stone patients in group III (p < 0.001). The statistical analyses revealed statistically significant differences in the level of salivary uric acid (mg/dl) in the comparison between kidney stones patients and non-kidney stones patients in group I and group III, whereas there were highly statistically significant in the comparison between kidney stones patients and non-kidney stones patients in group III. Conclusion: At the end of this study, we concluded that there was a relationship between dental calculus formation, kidney stones formation, and an increase in the level of salivary uric acid.

Incidence of kidney stones in kidney transplant recipients:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of kidney stones in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from the inception of the databases through March 2016. Studies assessing the incidence of kidney stones in kidney transplant recipients were included. We applied a randomeffects model to estimate the incidence of kidney stones.RESULTS Twenty one studies with 64416 kidney transplant patients were included in the analyses to assess the incidence of kidney stones after kidney transplantation. The estimated incidence of kidney stones was 1.0%(95%CI: 0.6%-1.4%). The mean duration to diagnosis of kidney stones after kidney transplantation was 28 ± 22 mo. The mean age of patients with kidney stones was 42 ± 7 years. Within reported studies, approximately 50% of kidney transplant recipients with kidney stones were males. 67% of kidney stones were calcium-based stones(30% mixed CaO x/CaP, 27%CaO x and 10%CaP), followed by struvite stones(20%) and uric acid stones(13%).CONCLUSION The estimated incidence of kidney stones in patients after kidney transplantation is 1.0%. Although calcium based stones are the most common kidney stones aftertransplantation, struvite stones(also known as "infection stones") are not uncommon in kidney transplant recipients. These findings may impact the prevention and clinical management of kidney stones after kidney transplantation.

Comparison of the Effects of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Open Surgery on Kidney Stones

Objective:To compare the treatment effects of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy and open surgery on kidney stones.Methods:From November 2018 to November 2019,80 patients with kidney stones who were treated in our hospital were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method.Each group contained 40 patients.The patients in control group were treated with open surgery while the patients in observation group were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy.The surgical indicators,rate of stone removal,and adverse events were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in surgical time between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the observation group had less intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospital stay,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The stone clearance rate(95.00%)in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(77.50%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the incidence of postoperative adverse effects was lower in the observation group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for kidney stones is effective in reducing the intraoperative blood loss,shortening the length of hospital stay,improving the rate of stone clearance and reducing the occurrence of adverse effects.Therefore,this treatment method should be promoted for clinical use.

Study the effect of kidney stones on serum xanthine oxidase, ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2(NSMCE2) in Malaysian individuals

Objective: To verify possible relations between 5'-nucleotidase, xanthine oxidase to E3 small ubiquitin-like modifier-protein ligase non structural maintenance of chromosomes elements 2 in sera patients with kidney stones and to evaluate the possibility of a new biomarker for the evaluation of kidney damage. Methods: A sixty patients with known kidney stones who appeared the government health clinics in Kuantan–Pahang and fifty apparently healthy were taken as control group. The 5'-nucleotidase,xanthine oxidase and other biochemical parameters were measured by colorimetric tests. The serum NSMCE2 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The mean serum xanthine oxidase [(39.98±19.70) IU/L] and ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity(40.03±9.53 IU/L) were significantly higher than the controls' levels of(18.04 ±6.26) and(16.06 ±4.61) IU/L respectively. There were 85.00% and 83.33%, of patients with kidney stones who had abnormal ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and uric acid respectively while xanthine oxidase activity was less sensitive 58.33%.Conclusions: The present study suggests that the increase in serum of xanthine oxidase,ecto-5'-nucleotidase activities E3 small ubiquitin-like modifier-protein ligase NSE2 concentration can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis of kidney damage in patients with kidney stone,also in developments of change DNA damage and inflammation disorders in these patients.

Kidney Stones in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Purpose: As patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) are living longer, novel morbidities are being recognized. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the prevalence and risk factors of nephrolithiasis in patients with TDT. Methods: A non-systematic, narrative review of the current literature published up to August 2021 was conducted. Results: Nephrolithiasis has been reported in 18% - 59% of patients with TDT, which is at least twice the prevalence in the general US population. The risk factors for nephrolithiasis can be classified into behavioral (dietary and lifestyle), environmental, metabolic, disease-specific, and genetic factors. While clarifying the true prevalence of nephrolithiasis in different age groups and diagnostic categories of TDT requires further research, prevention, and management of nephrolithiasis is a growing clinical concern. Physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of stone disease in splenectomized and diabetic patients as well as those treated with certain chelation regimens. Conclusions: The etiology of nephrolithiasis and potential TDT-specific risk factors that may put patients at greater risk are highlighted. There is insufficient evidence at this time to recommend universal screening for nephrolithiasis using ultrasound. Evidence-based recommendations on monitoring, prevention, and management of nephrolithiasis in TDT are provided.

Kidney stones over 2 cm in diameter-between guidelines and individual approach

The prevalence of urolithiasis has been observed to increase during last decades. Kidney stones over 2 cm in diameter are the common urologic problem. European and American Associations of Urology has published guidelines on Urolithiasis and presented the most effective tools to treat large stones. On the other hand many experienced endourologic centres choose other modalities from their armamentarium. All treatment methods are characterized by their efficacy and safety which are usually inversely proportional. It is crucial for patients and physicians to find a golden mean. Percutaneous lithotripsy is still considered treatment of choice with more than 95% efficacy. Less invasive retrograde intrarenal surgery is also less effective, but burdened with lower complication rate. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is feasible in paediatric patients with acceptable stone free rates. Open surgery(pylolithotomy and anatrophic nephrolithotomy) are almost obsolete techniques. All methods have their pros and cons. Physicians should share decisions regarding treatment modalities with patients.

Beyond kidney stones:Why pediatricians should worry about hypercalciuria

The incidence of urolithiasis(UL)is increasing,and it has become more common in children and adolescents over the past few decades.Hypercalciuria is the leading metabolic risk factor of pediatric UL,and it has high morbidity,with or without lithiasis as hematuria and impairment of bone mass.The reduction in bone mineral density has already been described in pediatric idiopathic hypercalciuria(IH),and the precise mechanisms of bone loss or failure to achieve adequate bone mass gain remain unknown.A current understanding is that hypercalciuria throughout life can be considered a risk of change in bone structure and low bone mass throughout life.However,it is still not entirely known whether hypercalciuria throughout life can compromise the quality of the mass.The peak bone mass is achieved by late adolescence,peaking at the end of the second decade of life.This accumulation should occur without interference in order to achieve the peak of optimal bone mass.The bone mass acquired during childhood and adolescence is a major determinant of adult bone health,and its accumulation should occur without interference.This raises the critical question of whether adult osteoporosis and the risk of fractures are initiated during childhood.Pediatricians should be aware of this pediatric problem and investigate their patients.They should have the knowledge and ability to diagnose and initially manage patients with IH,with or without UL.

Leaching behavior of V,Pb,Cd,Cr,and As from stone coal waste rock with different particle sizes

This paper investigates the leaching behavior of heavy metals(V,Pb,Cd,Cr,and As) from stone coal waste rocks with various particle sizes using dynamic leaching experiments.The results show that the dissolved concentrations of V and As initially increased and then slightly decreased as time progressed and that the dissolved concentrations of Pb,Cd,and Cr were high in the early stage before decreasing.The particle size of the stone coal waste rocks strongly influenced the heavy metal concentration in the leaching solutions.The effects of the particle size of the stone coal waste rocks on the dissolved concentrations of V,Pb,and As decreased in the order fine fraction > medium fraction > coarse fraction,and the effects of particle size on the dissolved concentrations of Cr and Cd decreased in the order medium fraction > coarse fraction > fine fraction and coarse fraction > medium fraction > fine fraction,respectively.The quantities of heavy metals dissolved from the stone coal waste rock with fine particle sizes were observed to decrease in the order V(17104.36 μg/kg) > As(609.41 μg/kg) > Pb(469.24 μg/kg) > Cr(56.35 μg/kg) > Cd(27.52 μg/kg),and the dissolution rates decreased in the order As(2.96%) > Pb(0.93%) > V(0.35%) > Cd(0.25%) > Cr(0.01%).The specific surface area,pore size of the stone coal waste rocks,and chemical forms of heavy metals also influenced the release of heavy metals from the stone coal waste rocks.Kinetic analysis showed that the dissolution of heavy metals fundamentally agreed with the rate equation controlled by the shrinking core model.The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the evaluation of heavy metals contamination from stone coal waste rocks.

Measurement of Stone Diameter with Three Sizes of Automatically Fixating Stone Baskets

Background: Complications after endoscopic retrieval of kidney and ureter stones are obviously related to the size of the stones as well as the experience of the surgeon and other factors. During the procedure it is sometimes difficult for surgeons to estimate stone size and therefore give prognostic advises. The visual perception of the stone size depends on the shape, colour, distance to the renoscope and dilatation of the ureter. This is the so-called binding problem, because shape, color and direction of motion are processed separately by different population of optical neurons. In order to establish a better prognostic rational especially for less experienced surgeons, we established an intra operative semi-quantitative measurement of the stone size supported by a stone basket. Materials and Methods: We modified the tipped, nitinol stone baskets from the company Urotech with diameters of 2.5, 3.0 and 4 FR. The handle of this basket has a spring mechanism, which automatically closes the basket and provides a predefined fixation force of the stones within the basket. On the handle we established a non-linear scale in mm by grabbing standardized balls or standardized screws. Result: The scales are nonlinear because of the nonlinear relation between the diameter of the stone and the distance of the slider. Also the scales differ in between the basket size, because of the different strain conditions due to the different wire sizes and materials or the spring and basket. Conclusion: This scale could be an important orientation for a surgeon during endourological procedures to estimate stone sizes. After further clinical experience a semi-quantitative visualization like green, yellow and red colors could help to predict potential complications due to large stone sizes. Finally it could bevery interesting for other disciplines like gastroenterology.

Effect of Allicin on the Formation of Kidney Stones in Rats by Regulating the Expression of OPN and NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect of allicin on the formation of kidney stones in rats by regulating the expression of osteopontin(OPN)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 50 healthy adult male SD rats with SPF grade were selected and divided into five groups by random number and computer random combination,with 10 rats in each group.Except the blank group,the other four groups were given 2 m L/d mixed solution of 1%ethylene glycol+2%ammonium chloride to construct the nephrolith model.During the modeling process,the blank group and the model group were given normal saline by gavage.The positive group was given 600 mg/(kg·d)of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate granules by gavage,the low-dose group was given 7.5 mg/(kg·d)of allicin by gavage,and the high-dose group was given 15 mg/(kg·d)of allicin by gavage.After administration,renal function,urine related indicators,calcium oxalate crystallization score,OPN protein expression and NF-κB signaling pathwayrelated protein expression were observed and compared among the five groups of rats.Results:There were significant differences in kidney index,urea nitrogen(BUN)and blood creatinine(Cr)levels among the five groups(P<0.05).There were no differences in kidney index,BUN and Cr levels between the high-dose group and the positive group(P>0.05),and were all lower than those in the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the levels of oxalic acid(OA),calcium(Ca),magnesium(Mg),and phosphorus(P)in the urine of five groups of rats(P<0.05).The high-dose group showed no difference in the levels of OA,Ca,Mg,and P compared to the positive control group(P>0.05),and all were lower than the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the scores of calcium oxalate crystallization and the expression of OPN protein in the five groups(P<0.05).There was no difference in the scores of calcium oxalate crystallization between the high-dose group and the positive group(P>0.05).The expression of OPN protein was higher than that in the positive group(P<0.05),and both were lower than that in the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the expression levels of NF-κB inhibitory protein-α(IκB-α)and NF-κB in five groups(P<0.05),and the expression levels of IκB-αand NF-κB in the high-dose group were lower than those in the model group,positive control group,and low-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Allicin may inhibit the formation of kidney stones in rats by down-regulating the expression levels of OPN and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins,and a high dose of allicin can obtain a similar effect of kidney stones inhibition as that of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate granules.

Breakdown of Kidney and Ureteral Stones Using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Zakho City

In the present study, investigation of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in Zakho City for breakdown kidney and ureteral stones has been carried out. The data were collected from the center of breakdown kidney stones in Zakho hospital. A total of 34 patients (25 male and 9 female) of ages ranged from 20 - 60 years were treated with ESWL. The patient harboring 24 renal stones and 10 ureteral stones of size ranged from 7 to 23 mm of almost patients are 8 mm and composed of calcium oxalate. The study has been conducted taking in to consideration the parameters (type, sizes, composition and location of stone as well as region and ages of patients, also power, number of shock wave and session). The results show that the number of shock wave decreases nearly exponentially with the ages of patients for calcium oxalate stone of size 8 mm under constant power 4 watt while it tends to increase according to increasing stones size for the patients of ages 20 - 30 years. The size of calcium oxalate stones decreases nearly exponentially with the patients’ ages for workers in Zakho city. Also for same size 8 mm of (calcium, phosphate, and oxalate) stones and different regions of zakho city, the number of shock waves decreases according to increasing ages of patients. Contrary to that for certain size of stones 8 mm, the number of shock wave starts to increase from uric acid to maximum value for calcium oxalate stone for the adult patients of age’s 22 up to 30 years. However for elders ages 30 - 60 years and different regions, the size of renal and ureteric stones increases from the minimum value for calcium, phosphate, oxalate to maximum value for calcium oxalate stone only. Uric acid stone requires minimum power to break, while the calcium oxalate needs maximum power to fragment due to its hardness composition. Later number of session of shock wave required for crushing each stones size increases according to increasing its size while its variation due to enhancing patients ages for calcium oxalate of size 8 mm results in nearly a decreasing exponential behavior.