Physicochemical action of potassium-magnesium citrate in nephrolithiasis

Modulation of Tubular pH by Acetazolamide in a Ca2+ Transport Deficient Mice Facilitates Calcium Nephrolithiasis

Proximal tubular (PT) acidosis, which alkalinizes the urinary filtrate, together with Ca²⁺ supersaturation in PT can induce luminal calcium phosphate (CaP) crystal formation. While such CaP crystals are known to act as a nidus for CaP/calcium oxalate (CaOx) mixed stone formation, the regulation of PT luminal Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]) under elevated pH and/or high [Ca²⁺] conditions are unknown. Since we found that transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) knockout (KO; -/-) mice could produce mild hypercalciuria with CaP urine crystals, we alkalinized the tubular pH in TRPC3-/- mice by oral acetazolamide (0.08%) to develop mixed urinary crystals akin to clinical signs of calcium nephrolithiasis (CaNL). Our ratiometric (λ340/380) intracellular [Ca²⁺] measurements reveal that such alkalization not only upsurges Ca²⁺ influx into PT cells, but the mode of Ca²⁺ entry switches from receptor-operated to store-operated pathway. Electrophysiological experiments show enhanced bicarbonate related current activity in treated PT cells which may determine the stone-forming phenotypes (CaP or CaP/CaOx). Moreover, such alkalization promotes reactive oxygen species generation, and upregulation of calcification, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis in PT cells, which were exacerbated in absence of TRPC3. Altogether, the pH-induced alteration of the Ca²⁺ signaling signature in PT cells from TRPC3 ablated mice exacerbated the pathophysiology of mixed urinary stone formation, which may aid in uncovering the downstream mechanism of CaNL.

Evaluating the effectiveness of adding magnesium chloride to conventional protocol of citrate alkali therapy on kidney stone size

BACKGROUND

Potassium citrate (K-Cit) is one of the therapeutic solutions broadly used in patients with urolithiasis. However, recent studies have shown that it is not so effective. Therefore, the goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of K-Cit - MgCl₂ oral supplements, on urinary stone size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed on 70 asymptomatic urolithiasis cases. The supplements included K-Cit and magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), purchased from (Merck Company, Germany). The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The urinary stone size was measured in the control group after prescribing K-Cit alone and the treated group with combination of K-Cit and MgCl₂ for 4 weeks by ultrasonography and also urinary parameter was measured in each groups.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 16.26 ± 5.70 years. Hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria were seen in 70% and 52% of patients, respectively. Initially, the mean urinary stone size was measured in each groups and there is not any significant different. However, we find a significant decrease in urinary stone size in group which is treated with combination of K-Cit and MgCl₂ for 4 weeks in comparison with control group treated with K-Cit alone in the same duration of therapeutic course (5.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.5 ± 1.2, P < 0.05). All ultrasonography were performed by one radiologist and device.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that a combination of K-Cit and MgCl₂ chloride is more effective on decreasing urinary stone size than K-Cit alone.

Prediction of renal crystalline size distributions in space using a PBE analytic model. 2. Effect of dietary countermeasures

An analytic Population Balance Equation model is used to assess the efficacy of citrate, pyrophosphate, and augmented fluid intake as dietary countermeasures aimed at reducing the risk of renal stone formation for astronauts. The model uses the measured biochemical profile of the astronauts as input and predicts the steady-state size distribution of the nucleating, growing, and agglomerating renal calculi subject to biochemical changes brought about by administration of these dietary countermeasures. Numerical predictions indicate that an increase in citrate levels beyond its average normal ground-based urinary values is beneficial but only to a limited extent. Unfortunately, results also indicate that any decline in the citrate levels during space travel below its normal urinary values on Earth can easily move the astronaut into the stone-forming risk category. Pyrophosphate is found to be an effective inhibitor since numerical predictions indicate that even at quite small urinary concentrations, it has the potential of shifting the maximum crystal aggregate size to a much smaller and plausibly safer range. Finally, our numerical results predict a decline in urinary volume below 1.5 liters/day can act as a dangerous promoter of renal stone development in microgravity while urinary volume levels of 2.5-3 liters/day can serve as effective space countermeasures.

Citrate salts for preventing and treating calcium containing kidney stones in adults

BACKGROUND

Kidney stones affect people worldwide and have a high rate of recurrence even with treatment. Recurrences are particularly prevalent in people with low urinary citrate levels. These people have a higher incidence of calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate stones. Oral citrate therapy increases the urinary citrate levels, which in turn binds with calcium and inhibits the crystallisation thus reduces stone formation. Despite the widespread use of oral citrate therapy for prevention and treatment of calcium oxalate stones, the evidence to support its clinical efficacy remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to determine the efficacy and adverse events associated with citrate salts for the treatment and prevention of calcium containing kidney stones.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register to 29 July 2015 through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy and adverse events associated with citrate salts for the treatment and prevention of calcium containing kidney stones in adults treated for a minimum of six months.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors assessed studies for inclusion in this review. Data were extracted according to predetermined criteria. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven studies that included a total of 477 participants, most of whom had oxalate stones. Of these, three studies (247 participants) compared potassium citrate with placebo or no intervention; three (166 participants) compared potassium-sodium citrate with no intervention; and one (64 participants) compared potassium-magnesium citrate with placebo. Overall, quality of the reporting of the included studies was considered moderate to poor, and there was a high risk of attrition bias in two studies.Compared with placebo or no intervention, citrate therapy significantly reduced the stone size (4 studies, 160 participants: RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.36 to 4.05). New stone formation was significantly lower with citrate therapy compared to control (7 studies, 324 participants: RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.68). The beneficial effect on stone size stability was also evident (4 studies, 160 participants: RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.26). Adverse events were reported in four studies, with the main side effects being upper gastrointestinal disturbance and one patient reported a rash. There were more gastrointestinal adverse events in the citrate group; however this was not significant (4 studies, 271 participants: RR 2.55, 95% CI 0.71 to 9.16). There were significantly more dropouts due to adverse events with citrate therapy compared to control (4 studies, 271 participants: RR 4.45, 95% CI 1.28 to 15.50). The need for retreatment was significantly less with citrate therapy compared to control (2 studies, 157 participants: RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.89).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Citrate salts prevent new stone formation and reduce further stone growth in patients with residual stones that predominantly contain oxalate. The quality of reported literature remains moderate to poor; hence a well-designed statistically powered multi-centre RCT is needed in order to answer relevant questions concerning the efficacy of citrate salts.

Urine calcium/citrate ratio in children with hypercalciuric stones

Hypercalciuria is a common cause for stone formation in children. The aim was to delineate the role of urinary citrate in hypercalciuric children for protection against calcium stone formation. We evaluated random urine calcium, citrate, and creatinine in 149 controls, 78 hypercalciuric nonstone formers, and 34 hypercalciuric children with stone. Urine citrate/creatinine was highest in hypercalciuric nonstone formers 899 +/- 351 compared with controls 711 +/- 328 and stone formers 595 +/- 289 (p < 0.01 vs. both). Calcium/creatinine ratio was similar in hypercalciuric stone and nonstone formers, but significantly higher than controls. Consequently, urine calcium/citrate ratio (mg/mg) increased from control 0.17 +/- 0.17 to 0.41 +/- 0.23 (p < 0.001) in hypercalciuric nonstone formers, and to 0.65 +/- 0.46 in stone formers (p < 0.001 compared with other groups). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve combined with multilevel risk analyses found calcium/citrate ratio of 0.326 to provide good discrimination between control and stone formers. We found 5th percentile for random urine citrate/creatinine ratio in school-aged children to be 176 mg/g, elevated urinary citrate excretion in hypercalciuric children to be protective against stone formation, and urine calcium/citrate ratio to be a good indicator for risk of stone formation. Whether intervention in hypercalciuric children to lower urine calcium/citrate <0.326 will provide protection against stone formation needs to be studied.

Urine pH in renal calcium stone formers who do and do not increase stone phosphate content with time

BACKGROUND

Calcium phosphate (CaP) renal stones appear to be increasing in prevalence, and are caused by high urine CaP supersaturation, which arises from genetic hypercalciuria and high urine pH. Renal damage from stones or procedures, or treatments for stone could raise urine pH; alternatively pH may be intrinsically high in some people who are thereby predisposed to CaP stones.

METHODS

To distinguish these alternatives we sequenced changes in urine pH and stone CaP content asking which occurs first in patients whose stones showed progressive increase in CaP over time. From 4767 patients we found 62 in whom we could document transformation from calcium oxalate (CaOx) to CaP stones, and 134 CaOx controls who did not transform. Laboratory and clinical finding were contrasted between these groups.

RESULTS

Even when patients were forming relatively pure CaOx stones, those destined to increase stone CaP had higher urine pH than controls who never did so. Their higher pH was present before and during treatments to prevent new stone formation. Shock wave lithotripsy was strongly associated with increasing stone CaP but urine pH bore no relationship to number of procedures.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that high pH may not be acquired as a result of stones or their treatments but may precede transformation from CaOx to CaP stones and arise from diet or possibly heredity.

Mechanism of urinary calcium regulation by urinary magnesium and pH

Urinary magnesium and pH are known to modulate urinary calcium excretion, but the mechanisms underlying these relationships are unknown. In this study, the data from 17 clinical trials in which urinary magnesium and pH were pharmacologically manipulated were analyzed, and it was found that the change in urinary calcium excretion is directly proportional to the change in magnesium excretion and inversely proportional to the change in urine pH; a regression equation was generated to relate these variables (R(2) = 0.58). For further exploration of these relationships, intravenous calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or vehicle was administered to rats. Magnesium infusion significantly increased urinary calcium excretion (normalized to urinary creatinine), but calcium infusion did not affect magnesium excretion. Parathyroidectomy did not prevent this magnesium-induced hypercalciuria. The effect of magnesium loading on calciuria was still observed after treatment with furosemide, which disrupts calcium and magnesium absorption in the thick ascending limb, suggesting that the effect may be mediated by the distal nephron. The calcium channel TRPV5, normally present in the distal tubule, was expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Calcium uptake by TRPV5 was directly inhibited by magnesium and low pH. In summary, these data are compatible with the hypothesis that urinary magnesium directly inhibits renal calcium absorption, which can be negated by high luminal pH, and that this regulation likely takes place in the distal tubule.

Concentrated urine and diluted urine: the effects of citrate and magnesium on the crystallization of calcium oxalate induced in vitro by an oxalate load

Supplementation of certain calcium crystallization inhibitors, such as citrate and magnesium, and the dilution of urine with water are now considered consolidated practice for the prevention of calcium kidney stones. The aim of this study is to verify, using tried and true in vitro methods, whether the effect of these inhibitors can manifest itself in different ways depending on whether the urine is concentrated or diluted. Calcium oxalate crystallization was studied on 4-h urine of 20 male idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers, first under low hydration conditions (non-diluted urine) and then under high hydration conditions (diluted urine). Both the diluted and the non-diluted urine samples were subjected to three types of load: (a) an oxalate concentration increment of 1.3 mmol/l only; (b) an oxalate concentration increment of 1.3 mmol/l with a citrate concentration increment of 1.56 mmol/l; (c) an oxalate concentration increment of 1.3 mmol/l with a magnesium concentration increment of 2.08 mmol/l. In non-diluted urine, the addition of the citrate and magnesium did not modify the crystallization parameters under study. In contrast, in the diluted urine the addition of the citrate and magnesium led to a reduction in the total quantity of crystals (equivalent to 35-45%) and their aggregates (equivalent to 30-40%); at the same time, there was an increase in the diameter of the monohydrate calcium oxalate crystals, which also underwent a morphological change. In conclusion, the inhibitory effects of citrate and magnesium on the crystallization of calcium oxalate do not manifest themselves in highly concentrated urine.

Reduction of Renal Stone Risk by Potassium-Magnesium Citrate During 5 Weeks of Bed Rest

PURPOSE

Exposure to the microgravity environment of space increases the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly for calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of potassium alkali as potassium-magnesium citrate in reducing renal stone risk and bone turnover.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed as a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. We studied 20 normocalciuric subjects randomized to either placebo or potassium-magnesium citrate (42 mEq potassium, 21 mEq magnesium, 63 mEq citrate per day) before and during 5 weeks of strict bed rest. The study was performed in the General Clinical Research Center and under a controlled dietary regimen composed of 100 mEq of sodium, 800 mg of calcium, 0.8 gm/kg animal protein and 2,200 kcal per day. Two 24-hour urine collections were obtained under oil each week for assessment of stone risk parameters and relative saturation of calcium oxalate, brushite and undissociated uric acid. Blood was also collected for determination of serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone and vitamin D metabolites.

RESULTS

Bed rest promoted a rapid increase in urinary calcium excretion of approximately 50 mg per day in both groups. Despite this increase subjects treated with potassium-magnesium citrate demonstrated significant decreases in the relative saturation of calcium oxalate and in the concentration of undissociated uric acid compared to placebo. Immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and intestinal calcium absorption all decreased in both groups with no difference in response between the 2 treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Provision of alkali as potassium-magnesium citrate is an effective countermeasure for the increased risk of renal stone disease associated with immobilization. Despite an increase in urine calcium concentration, the relative saturation of calcium oxalate decreased due to citrate chelation of calcium and the concentration of undissociated uric acid decreased due to the significant increase in urine pH.

Prevention of thiazide-induced hypokalemia without magnesium depletion by potassium-magnesium-citrate

Thiazide can cause magnesium depletion, which may exaggerate renal potassium wasting and hypokalemia. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized trial was to compare the metabolic effects of potassium-magnesium-citrate (K-Mg-citrate) and potassium chloride (KCl) during long-term treatment with thiazide. Twenty-two normal volunteers received hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/d. Ten subjects concurrently took K-Mg-citrate (42 mEq K/d and 21 mEq Mg/d), and 12 subjects were given KCl 42 mEq/d. Serum potassium concentration remained unchanged during K-Mg-citrate supplementation, with a change from baseline of 21.7% over 6 months, compared with 26.4% with KCl supplementation. Serum electrolytes were normal and not significantly different between K-Mg-citrate and KCl. During K-Mg-citrate treatment, serum magnesium increased significantly by about 10%, associated with an adequate increase in urinary magnesium and a nonsignificant increase in monocyte and free muscle magnesium. Serum magnesium was unchanged, and monocyte and free muscle magnesium showed a nonsignificant decline during KCl supplementation. K-Mg-citrate provided an alkali load, increasing urinary pH, and reducing urinary undissociated uric acid. It also increased urinary citrate and tended to lower the saturation of calcium oxalate. KCl supplementation lacked these actions. K-Mg-citrate prevents thiazide-induced hypokalemia without provoking metabolic alkalosis. It seems to prevent magnesium depletion. By providing an alkali load, it retards the propensity for the crystallization of uric acid and probably of calcium oxalate. Though not conclusive, KCl supplementation may be less effective than K-Mg-citrate in maintaining normokalemia because of a subtle magnesium wasting. Moreover, KCl is devoid of protective action toward crystallization of stone-forming salts.

Therapeutic action of citrate in urolithiasis explained by chemical speciation: increase in pH is the determinant factor

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic action of citrate in the management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis has been attributed to the depletion of free calcium ions by complexation of the latter by citrate itself. However, little attention has been given to the nature of such complexes and the chemical conditions which control their formation because it is very difficult to measure them in solution. We therefore modelled the theoretical formation of these complexes in urine following administration of a citrate-containing preparation, using a powerful speciation program, JESS (Joint Expert Speciation System), which has been widely used to model metal-ligand equilibria in biological systems but which has hitherto not been applied in urolithiasis research. This program has an extensive database of thermodynamic constants and is able to calculate mixed ligand speciation.

METHODS

Urine data obtained before and after citrate administration in four groups of subjects (male and female normals and stone formers) were used as input for JESS to calculate the speciation of calcium, citrate and oxalate. The program was also used to examine the effects of varying different urinary components on the nature and concentration of the various species.

RESULTS

The speciation predicted the formation of a key calcium-citrate-phosphate species (previously unreported in urolithiasis research), which accounts for a significant percentage of the complexation of the free calcium. Moreover, the formation of this complex was found to be dependent on an increase in urinary pH rather than on an increase in urinary citrate concentration per se.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic action of citrate in the management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis is due to the formation of a pH dependent calcium-citrate-phosphate complex which reduces the concentration of the free calcium ion species, thereby reducing the risk of stone formation.

Preventive treatment of nephrolithiasis with alkali citrate—a critical review

Using the keywords "urolithiasis and citrate treatment", "nephrolithaisis and citrate treatment", "kidney stones and citrate treatment", a Medline search revealed 635 articles published between 1 January 1966 and 1 December 2004. For the present analysis, only studies meeting all of the following criteria were included: (1) publications in English or German, (2) studies on preventive alkali citrate treatment in patients with calcium oxalate, uric acid and infection stone disease, (3) clinical studies including at least ten subjects, and (4) treatment phases of at least 1 week duration. A total of 43 studies met the inclusion criteria and were further subclassified according to intermediate or ultimate endpoints as well as to study design. With stone recurrence as the ultimate endpoint, 21 uncontrolled studies in almost 1,000 patients demonstrated a reduction in stone forming rate by 47-100%. In four randomized controlled trials including 227 patients, 53.5% on alkali citrate vs 35% on placebo remained stone-free after at least 1 year of treatment (P<0.0005). Similar values (66% vs 27.5% for alkali citrate vs placebo, P<0.0005) were obtained in 104 patients from two randomized trials with dissolution/clearance of residual stones as endpoint. Unfortunately, up to 48% of alkali citrate treated patients left the studies prematurely, primarily due to adverse effects such as eructation, bloating, gaseousness or frank diarrhea.

Prophylactic and therapeutic properties of a sodium citrate preparation in the management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis: randomized, placebo-controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a hitherto untested preparation containing sodium citrate in the management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In this study, a host of calcium oxalate kidney stone risk factors was investigated using a randomised, placebo controlled, "within-patient" clinical trial. The trial involved four groups of subjects: healthy male controls, healthy female controls , calcium oxalate stone-forming males and calcium oxalate stone-forming females. There were 30 subjects in each group. Twenty subjects in each group ingested the preparation containing sodium citrate and ten subjects in each group ingested a placebo for 7 days. Collection of 24 h urines were carried out at baseline, at day 7 and day 10 (i.e. 3 days after suspension of drug/placebo ingestion). These were analysed for biochemical and physicochemical risk factors. They were also tested for their inhibitory properties in crystallization experiments. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Key risk factors were significantly and beneficially altered across all groups after ingestion of the preparation. The pH and urinary citrate excretion increased while urinary oxalate and calcium excretions decreased, as did relative supersaturations of calcium oxalate and uric acid. In addition, inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization increased. Beneficial carryover effects were observed for some risk factors. The results of this study have demonstrated, for the first time, that a sodium citrate-containing preparation favourably alters the risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis: risk factors and conservative treatment

Idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis is a frequent and recurrent multifactorial disease. This review focuses on urinary and dietary risk factors for this disease and conservative strategies for rectifying them. Dietary oxalate and calcium and their respective urinary excretions have been extensively investigated during the last 10 years. Urinary oxalate has emerged as the most important determinant of calcium oxalate crystallization while the role of urinary calcium has shifted to bone balance and osteoporosis. Dietary calcium restriction increases urinary oxalate and contributes to a negative bone balance. It has therefore been abandoned as a means to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. Calcium oxalate kidney stone patients are advised to increase their fluid intake to achieve a urine volume of 2 l or more; the recommended calcium intake is 800-1200 mg/day; high oxalate foods should be restricted; daily protein intake should be between 0.8 and 1 g/kg body weight/day; essential fats should be included; vegetable and fruit (except oxalate-rich vegetables) intake should be increased. The use of calcium supplements has potential benefits but needs to be examined further.

Changes in urinary parameters after oral administration of potassium-sodium citrate and magnesium oxide to prevent urolithiasis

OBJECTIVES

To examine urinary parameters among normal individuals and patients with calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones after oral administration of potassium-sodium citrate (KNa-Cit) and magnesium oxide (MgO). Urinary citrate and magnesium have been known as the inhibitors of CaOx stone formation. Supplementation with potassium-magnesium citrate prevents the recurrence of CaOx stones.

METHODS

Twenty-five male volunteers aged 21 to 42 years without a history of urinary stones were given either KNa-Cit or MgO, or both. Fourteen patients with recurrent CaOx stones were also given both supplements, and 24-hour urine samples were collected to determine the urinary parameters.

RESULTS

The administration of both KNa-Cit and MgO to the normal individuals increased the excretion of citrate, magnesium, and potassium by 70.0%, 44.2%, and 50.0%, respectively. These parameters increased less when KNa-Cit or MgO was administered individually. After administration of both supplements to the patients with stones, the citrate, magnesium, and potassium levels increased by 62.1%, 63.3%, and 25.3%, respectively, and oxalate decreased by 66.5%. In both normal individuals and patients, the ion activity product index of CaOx decreased significantly more after administration of the combination than with either compound alone or before administration.

CONCLUSION

The combination of KNa-Cit and MgO is more effective than either supplement alone in inhibiting the crystallization of CaOx stones. The combination may improve the urinary parameters of patients with stones accompanied by hypocitraturia and/or hypomagnesuria.

Role of Nutrition in the Formation of Calcium-Containing Kidney Stones

Diet plays an important role in the pathogenesis of calcium-containing kidney stones. Although much work has demonstrated that specific dietary components alter urinary composition and supersaturation, relatively few studies link the ingestion of these components with actual nephrolithiasis. This article reviews the dietary factors thought to promote or inhibit the formation of calcium stones and discusses the current controversies in the field of nutrition and nephrolithiasis. Special attention is paid to the roles of dietary calcium, supplemental calcium, oxalate, phytate, and n-3 fatty acids. We offer dietary recommendations to individuals who have suffered from a calcium-containing kidney stone, and emphasize that a patient's 24-hour urine chemistries should be used to help guide dietary intervention.

Effects of calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide and sodium citrate bicarbonate health supplements on the urinary risk factors for kidney stone formation

We describe a model to illustrate different chemical interactions that can occur in urine following ingestion of individual and combined health supplements. Two types of interactions are defined: synergism and addition. The model was applied to eight healthy males who participated in a study to investigate the chemical interactions between calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide and sodium citrate-bicarbonate health supplements on calcium oxalate urinary stone risk factors. Subjects ingested these components individually and in combination for 7 days. Twenty-four-hour urines were collected at baseline and during the final day of supplementation. These were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. Three different chemical interactions, all involving citrate, were identified: magnesium and citrate exerted a synergistic effect on lowering the relative superaturation (RS) of brushite; the same two components produced a synergistic effect on raising pH; finally, calcium and citrate exerted an additive effect on lowering the RS of uric acid. We propose that the novel approach described in this paper allows for the evaluation of individual, additive and synergistic interactions in the assessment of the efficacy of stone-risk reducing preparations.

Pathophysiology of hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis

Urinary citrate inhibits calcium stone formation by complexing calcium in a soluble form and by effects on urinary crystals to prevent growth to stones. Low urinary citrate has been recognized for several decades as a contributing factor in some stone forming patients, but recent studies have elucidated the mechanisms and derangements of the renal handling of citrate in various conditions. In addition, oral citrate as an alkalinizing agent can not only increase urinary citrate, but also favorably impact other stone-promoting conditions. This review will focus on the understanding of these concepts.

Nutrition and renal stone disease in space

There is a growing body of evidence from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Russian space program showing that humans exposed to the microgravity environment of space have a greater risk for developing renal stones. Increased bone resorption and the attendant hypercalciuria and hyperphosphaturia contribute significantly to raising the urinary state of saturation with respect to the calcium salts, namely calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. In addition, other environmental and dietary factors may adversely affect urine composition and increase stone formation risk during space flight. For example, reductions in urinary volume, pH, and citrate contribute to raising stone formation risk. In addition to raising the risk for calcium stone formation, this metabolic profile is conducive to the formation of uric acid stones. Although observations to date have suggested that there may actually be a reduced food intake during the early phase of flight, crew members on longer-duration flights may increase food intake and be at increased risk for stone formation. Taken together, these findings support the use of nutritional recommendations for crew members that would serve to reduce the stone-forming propensity of the urinary environment. Pharmacologic intervention should be directed at raising urinary volumes, diminishing bone losses, and preventing reductions in urinary pH and citrate. Success in reducing the risk for stone formation in astronauts would also be of potential major benefit to the estimated 20 million Americans with nephrolithiasis.

Adhesion of uric acid crystals to the surface of renal epithelial cells

Adhesion of microcrystals that nucleate in tubular fluid to the apical surface of renal tubular cells could be a critical step in the formation of kidney stones, 12% of which contain uric acid (UA) either alone or admixed with calcium oxalates or calcium phosphates. UA crystals bind rapidly to monolayer cultures of monkey kidney epithelial cells (BSC-1 line), used to model the surface of the nephron, in a concentration-dependent manner. The urinary glycoproteins osteopontin, nephrocalcin, and Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein had no effect on binding of UA crystals to the cell surface, whereas other polyanions including specific glycosaminoglycans blocked UA crystal adhesion. Specific polycations also inhibited adhesion of UA crystals and appeared to exert their inhibitory effect by coating cells. However, removal of anionic cell surface molecules with neuraminidase, heparitinase I, or chondroitinase ABC each increased UA crystal binding, and sialic acid-binding lectins had no effect. These observations suggest that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions play a major role in adhesion of electrostatically neutral UA crystals to renal cells, unlike the interaction of calcium-containing crystals with negatively charged molecules on the apical cell surface via ionic forces. After adhesion to the plasma membrane, subsequent cellular events could contribute to UA crystal retention in the kidney and the development of UA or mixed calcium and UA calculi.

Tamm-Horsfall protein excretion and its relation to citrate in urine of stone-forming patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relation of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) and citrate, both potent actors in the urinary stone forming process.

METHODS

Quantitative determination of THP in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone-forming patients and healthy subjects was carried out according to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

RESULTS

THP excretion in 24-hour urine samples of CaOx stone-forming patients was significantly reduced compared with healthy subjects. A significant correlation exists between the concentration of THP and citrate in the stone-forming group, as well as in the group of healthy subjects, and for the 24-hour excretion, this correlation persists in the group of CaOx stone-forming patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased THP and citrate excretions were found in CaOx stone-forming patients. They indicate a tubular dysfunction of the distal section.

Potassium-magnesium citrate is an effective prophylaxis against recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis

PURPOSE

We examined the efficacy of potassium-magnesium citrate in preventing recurrent calcium oxalate kidney calculi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective double-blind study of 64 patients who were randomly assigned to receive placebo or potassium-magnesium citrate (42 mEq. potassium, 21 mEq. magnesium, and 63 mEq. citrate) daily for up to 3 years. RESULTS. New calculi formed in 63.6% of subjects receiving placebo and in 12.9% of subjects receiving potassium-magnesium citrate. When compared with placebo, the relative risk of treatment failure for potassium-magnesium citrate was 0.16 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.46). Potassium-magnesium citrate had a statistically significant effect (relative risk 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.36) even after adjustment for possible confounders, including age, pretreatment calculous event rate and urinary biochemical abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Potassium-magnesium citrate effectively prevents recurrent calcium oxalate stones, and this treatment given for up to 3 years reduces risk of recurrence by 85%.

Correspondence between stone composition and urine supersaturation in nephrolithiasis

Supersaturation (SS) with respect to calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), brushite (Br) and uric acid (UA), obtained in three 24-hour pretreatment urine samples from patients with stone disease were compared to the mineral composition of stones passed by the same patients to determine whether sparse urine SS measurements accurately reflect the long-term average SS values in the kidney and final urine. Among males and females elevation of SS above same sex normals corresponded to composition. As well, treatments that reduced stone rates also reduced these SS values. The degree of calcium phosphate (CaP) admixture was accurately matched by shifting magnitudes of COM and Br SS. As well, increasing CaP content was associated with falling urine citrate and rising urine pH, suggesting renal tubular acidosis. We conclude that sparse urine SS measurements accurately track stone admixtures, and are a reliable index of average renal and urine SS.

Idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis and endogenous oxalate production

Despite the great effort that has gone into investigating urolithiasis, this condition still persists as one of the major ailments of the urinary tract. Calcium oxalate urolithiasis is the most common form, accounting for some 60 to 80% of total stones. This review examines the elements (i.e., urine volume and pH and urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, citrate, urate, magnesium, pyrophosphate, and glycosaminoglycans) that give rise to idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Treatment strategies for idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis, including lithotripsy, also are discussed. Urinary oxalate excretion is a major risk factor for calcium oxalate urolithiasis, with 85 to 95% of the urinary load derived endogenously. The factors controlling endogenous oxalate production are reviewed, including pathways for the diversion of glyoxylate from oxalate production. The use of beta-aminothiols and other substances to reduce endogenous oxalate production in subjects with idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis is also discussed. A review of current methodologies for the determination of urinary oxalate is also included.

Impact of sodium-potassium citrate on the diurnal variations in urinary calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate saturation levels in normal individuals

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of treatment for 5 days with sodium-potassium citrate (1 g three times a day (t.i.d.), 1 g four times a day (q.i.d.), or 3 g three times a day (t.i.d.)) on the diurnal variations of urinary calcium-containing lithogenic substances.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Five healthy men participated in the study, in which the calcium oxalate (CaOx), octacalcium phosphate (OCP), hydroxyapatite (HAP), and brushite (Bru) urinary saturation levels in fractional urine samples were determined before and during treatment.

RESULTS

The CaOx and Bru saturation levels, as estimated from the AP(CaOx) and AP(Bru) indices (Tiselius) respectively, peaked between 05.30 and 08.00 hours, and the peaks were blunted by each treatment regimen in comparison with the control day. In particular, the 1 g q.i.d. regimen significantly decreased the CaOx saturation level between 05.30 and 08.00 hours. The OCP and HAP saturation levels, as estimated from the AP(CaP) index (Tiselius), peaked between 08.00 and 10.30 hours, and the levels were increased by each regimen. In particular, the OCP level exceeded the formation product between 08.00 and 10.30 hours on day 5 in all regimens.

CONCLUSION

An evening dose of sodium-potassium citrate in addition to the conventional t.i.d. regimen may reduce the early-morning urinary CaOx and Bru saturation levels whilst keeping OCP and HAP saturation within acceptable limits. In contrast, a morning dose may cause OCP saturation to exceed the formation product. Although the OCP saturation level during treatment was not significantly higher than the level before treatment, this slight increase might be critical.