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Mercurio M, Izzo F, Gatta GD, Salzano L, Lotrecchiano G, Saldutto P, Germinario C, Grifa C, Varricchio E, Carafa A, Di Meo MC, Langella A. May a comprehensive mineralogical study of a jackstone calculus and some other human bladder stones unveil health and environmental implications? ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3297-3320. [PMID: 34529244 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01083-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper represents the first result of an active collaboration between the University of Sannio and the San Pio Hospital (Benevento, Italy), started in the 2018, that aims to a detailed mineralogical investigation of urinary stones of patients from Campania region. Herein, selected human bladder stones have been deeply characterized for clinical purposes and environmental biomonitoring, focusing on the importance to evaluate the concentration and distribution of undesired trace elements by means of microscopic techniques in the place of conventional wet chemical analyses. A rare bladder stone with a sea-urchin appearance, known as jackstone calculus, were also investigated (along with bladder stones made of uric acid and brushite) by means a comprehensive analytical approach, including Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and Simultaneous Thermal Analyses. Main clinical assumptions were inferred according to the morpho-constitutional classification of bladder stones and information about patient's medical history and lifestyle. In most of the analyzed uroliths, undesired trace elements such as copper, cadmium, lead, chromium, mercury and arsenic have been detected and generally attributable to environmental pollution or contaminated food. Simultaneous occurrence of selenium and mercury should denote a methylmercury detoxification process, probably leading to the formation of a very rare HgSe compound known as tiemannite.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mercurio
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - F Izzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Diego Gatta
- Dipartimento Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Botticelli 23, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - L Salzano
- UOC Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Pio di Benevento, Via dell'Angelo 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - G Lotrecchiano
- UOC Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Pio di Benevento, Via dell'Angelo 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - P Saldutto
- UOC Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Pio di Benevento, Via dell'Angelo 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Germinario
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Grifa
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - A Carafa
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Di Meo
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - A Langella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e delle Risorse, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Di Monte Sant'Angelo, Edificio 10, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
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Liu Y, Sun Y, Kang J, He Z, Liu Q, Wu J, Li D, Wang X, Tao Z, Guan X, She W, Xu H, Deng Y. Role of ROS-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Nephrolithiasis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:818625. [PMID: 35154136 PMCID: PMC8828488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.818625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis is a common and highly recurrent disease in urology; however, its precise pathogenesis is still unknown. Recent research has shown that renal inflammatory injury as a result of the cell-crystal reaction plays a crucial role in the development of calcium oxalate kidney stones. An increasing amount of research have confirmed that inflammation mediated by the cell-crystal reaction can lead to inflammatory injury of renal cells, promote the intracellular expression of NADPH oxidase, induce extensive production of reactive oxygen species, activate NLRP3 inflammasome, discharge a great number of inflammatory factors, trigger inflammatory cascading reactions, promote the aggregation, nucleation and growth process of calcium salt crystals, and ultimately lead to the development of intrarenal crystals and even stones. The renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs)-crystal reaction, macrophage-crystal reaction, calcifying nanoparticles, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy activation, and other regulatory factors and mechanisms are involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Liu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Juening Kang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ziqi He
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jihua Wu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Derong Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiwei Tao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaofeng Guan
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wusheng She
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yaoliang Deng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Deng Q, Liang H. Recent advances on the mechanisms of kidney stone formation (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:149. [PMID: 34132361 PMCID: PMC8208620 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney stone disease is one of the oldest diseases known to medicine; however, the mechanisms of stone formation and development remain largely unclear. Over the past decades, a variety of theories and strategies have been developed and utilized in the surgical management of kidney stones, as a result of recent technological advances. Observations from the authors and other research groups suggest that there are five entirely different main mechanisms for kidney stone formation. Urinary supersaturation and crystallization are the driving force for intrarenal crystal precipitation. Randall's plaques are recognized as the origin of calcium oxalate stone formation. Sex hormones may be key players in the development of nephrolithiasis and may thus be potential targets for new drugs to suppress kidney stone formation. The microbiome, including urease-producing bacteria, nanobacteria and intestinal microbiota, is likely to have a profound effect on urological health, both positive and negative, owing to its metabolic output and other contributions. Lastly, the immune response, and particularly macrophage differentiation, play crucial roles in renal calcium oxalate crystal formation. In the present study, the current knowledge for each of these five aspects of kidney stone formation is reviewed. This knowledge may be used to explore novel research opportunities and improve the understanding of the initiation and development of kidney stones for urologists, nephrologists and primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Wang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, P.R. China
| | - Jianwen Zhang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Deng
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, P.R. China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Longhua, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Zhu R, Liu D, Gong M, Hu W, Yi Q, Zhang J. Tetracycline attenuates calcifying nanoparticles-induced renal epithelial injury through suppression of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rat models. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:619-630. [PMID: 32038958 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs) has been associated with the occurrence and development of kidney stones, but the exact mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to establish a rat model of CNP-induced renal epithelial injury and assess the efficacy of tetracycline in preventing this injury. Methods Kidney stones from patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) were collected to isolate and culture CNPs. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: the sham group (G1), the CNP group (G2), and the CNP + tetracycline group (G3). Rats in G2 and G3 were given an intravenous injection of CNPs via the tail vein, while rats in G1 were given saline. Meanwhile, rats in G3 were given tetracycline by gavage twice a day at a dose of 25 mg/kg. After 8 weeks, the 24-h urine of all rats was collected, and all rats were sacrificed to obtain blood and kidneys. Results The results revealed that in G2, activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly lower than those in G1, while malondialdehyde activity in G2 was significantly higher than that in G1 and both of them were inhibited by tetracycline co-treatment in G3. CNPs significantly increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and interleukin 6, which were largely alleviated in G3. CNPs significantly increased TUNEL-positive cells and the apoptosis activity of Bcl2-associated X protein but decreased B-cell lymphoma-2 level compared with that in G1, and was limited by tetracycline co-treatment in G3. Furthermore, CNPs led to notable renal tubular epithelial cell damage, hyaline cast formation, desquamation, swelling, vacuolization in histology, all of which were alleviated by tetracycline. Conclusions Tetracycline can attenuate CNP-induced renal epithelial injury through suppression of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Rujian Zhu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Min Gong
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Qingtong Yi
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
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Sardarabadi H, Mashreghi M, Jamialahmadi K, Matin MM, Darroudi M. Selenium nanoparticle as a bright promising anti-nanobacterial agent. Microb Pathog 2019; 126:6-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Petitjean E, Mavridou A, Li X, Hauben E, Cotti E, Lambrechts P. Multimodular assessment of a calcified extraradicular deposit on the root surfaces of a mandibular molar. Int Endod J 2017; 51:375-385. [DOI: 10.1111/iej.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Petitjean
- Department of Oral Health Sciences; University Hospitals Leuven; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - A. Mavridou
- Department of Oral Health Sciences; University Hospitals Leuven; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- BIOMAT; Department of Oral Health Sciences; University Hospitals Leuven; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - X. Li
- BIOMAT; Department of Oral Health Sciences; University Hospitals Leuven; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - E. Hauben
- Department of Imaging and Pathology; Translational Cell & Tissue Research; University Hospitals Leuven; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - E. Cotti
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics; School of Dentistry; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - P. Lambrechts
- Department of Oral Health Sciences; University Hospitals Leuven; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
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Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Enumeration and Characterization of Mineralo-Organic Nanoparticles in Feline Urine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166045. [PMID: 28005930 PMCID: PMC5179072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary stone disease, particularly calcium oxalate, is common in both humans and cats. Calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) are spherical nanocrystallite material, and are composed of proteins (fetuin, albumin) and inorganic minerals. CNP are suggested to play a role in a wide array of pathologic mineralization syndromes including urolithiasis. We documented the development of a clinically relevant protocol to assess urinary CNP in 9 healthy cats consuming the same diet in a controlled environment using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA®). NTA® is a novel method that allows for characterization of the CNP in an efficient, accurate method that can differentiate these particles from other urinary submicron particulates. The predominant nanoscale particles in feline urine are characteristic of CNP in terms of their size, their ability to spontaneously form under suitable conditions, and the presence of an outer layer that is rich in calcium and capable of binding to hydroxyapatite binders such as alendronate and osteopontin. The expansion of this particle population can be suppressed by the addition of citrate to urine samples. Further, compounds targeting exosomal surfaces do not label these particulates. As CNP have been associated with a number of significant urologic maladies, the method described herein may prove to be a useful adjunct in evaluating lithogenesis risk in mammals.
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Cenizo Revuelta N, González-Fajardo J, Bratos Pérez M, Álvarez Gago T, Aguirre Gervás B, Vaquero Puerta C. Nanopartículas calcificantes como factor etiológico del desarrollo de hiperplasia y calcificación vascular. ANGIOLOGIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.angio.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Yaghobee S, Bayani M, Samiei N, Jahedmanesh N. What are the nanobacteria? BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2015.1052761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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10
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Abrol N, Panda A, Kekre NS, Devasia A. Nanobacteria in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis: Myth or reality? Indian J Urol 2015; 31:3-7. [PMID: 25624568 PMCID: PMC4300568 DOI: 10.4103/0970-1591.134235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stone formation in the urinary tract is a common phenomenon with associated morbidity. The exact physicochemical factors responsible for stone formation are not clearly known. Over the past decade considerable interest has been generated in defining the role of nanobacteria in urinary stone formation. A review of the available literature has been carried out to give insights into their nature and outline their role in stone formation. The two aspects of nanobacteria that need to be considered include its biological nature and the other merely as mineralo-protein complexes. Though the current literature favors the concept of mineralo-protein particles, further research is needed to clearly define their nature. Whether living or nonliving, these apatite forming nanoparticles appear to play role in kidney stone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Abrol
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arabind Panda
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nitin S Kekre
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Antony Devasia
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Chabrière E, Gonzalez D, Azza S, Durand P, Shiekh FA, Moal V, Baudoin JP, Pagnier I, Raoult D. Fetuin is the key for nanon self-propagation. Microb Pathog 2014; 73:25-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Cenizo Revuelta N, Gonzalez-Fajardo J, Bratos M, Alvarez-Gago T, Aguirre B, Vaquero C. Role of Calcifying Nanoparticle in the Development of Hyperplasia and Vascular Calcification in an Animal Model. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2014; 47:640-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Martel J, Peng HH, Young D, Wu CY, Young JD. Of nanobacteria, nanoparticles, biofilms and their role in health and disease: facts, fancy and future. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2014; 9:483-99. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.13.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobacteria have been at the center of a major scientific controversy in recent years owing to claims that they represent not only the smallest living microorganisms on earth but also new emerging pathogens associated with several human diseases. We and others have carefully examined these claims and concluded that nanobacteria are in fact nonliving mineralo-organic nanoparticles (NPs) that form spontaneously in body fluids. We have shown that these mineral particles possess intriguing biomimetic properties that include the formation of cell- and tissue-like morphologies and the possibility to grow, proliferate and propagate by subculture. Similar mineral NPs (bions) have now been found in both physiological and pathological calcification processes and they appear to represent precursors of physiological calcification cycles, which may at times go awry in disease conditions. Furthermore, by functioning at the nanoscale, these mineralo-organic NPs or bions may shed light on the fate of nanomaterials in the body, from both nanotoxicological and nanopathological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Martel
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular & Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsin Peng
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular & Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - David Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Primordia Institute of New Sciences & Medicine, Florham Park, NJ 07932, USA
| | - Cheng-Yeu Wu
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular & Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Research Center of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - John D Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular & Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Laboratory of Cellular Physiology & Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Biochemical Engineering Research Center, Ming Chi University of Technology, Taishan, Taipei 24301, Taiwan
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Wu CY, Young L, Young D, Martel J, Young JD. Bions: a family of biomimetic mineralo-organic complexes derived from biological fluids. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75501. [PMID: 24086546 PMCID: PMC3783384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mineralo-organic nanoparticles form spontaneously in human body fluids when the concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions exceed saturation. We have shown previously that these mineralo-organic nanoparticles possess biomimetic properties and can reproduce the whole phenomenology of the so-called nanobacteria-mineralized entities initially described as the smallest microorganisms on earth. Here, we examine the possibility that various charged elements and ions may form mineral nanoparticles with similar properties in biological fluids. Remarkably, all the elements tested, including sodium, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, strontium, and barium form mineralo-organic particles with bacteria-like morphologies and other complex shapes following precipitation with phosphate in body fluids. Upon formation, these mineralo-organic particles, which we term bions, invariably accumulate carbonate apatite during incubation in biological fluids; yet, the particles also incorporate additional elements and thus reflect the ionic milieu in which they form. Bions initially harbor an amorphous mineral phase that gradually converts to crystals in culture. Our results show that serum produces a dual inhibition-seeding effect on bion formation. Using a comprehensive proteomic analysis, we identify a wide range of proteins that bind to these mineral particles during incubation in medium containing serum. The two main binding proteins identified, albumin and fetuin-A, act as both inhibitors and seeders of bions in culture. Notably, bions possess several biomimetic properties, including the possibility to increase in size and number and to be sub-cultured in fresh culture medium. Based on these results, we propose that bions represent biological, mineralo-organic particles that may form in the body under both physiological and pathological homeostasis conditions. These mineralo-organic particles may be part of a physiological cycle that regulates the function, transport and disposal of elements and minerals in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yeu Wu
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Research Center of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Lena Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jan Martel
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - John D. Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Biochemical Engineering Research Center, Ming Chi University of Technology, Taishan, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Vítek L, Carey MC. New pathophysiological concepts underlying pathogenesis of pigment gallstones. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2012; 36:122-9. [PMID: 21978438 PMCID: PMC3311771 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2011.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pigment gallstones, which are much less frequent than cholesterol stones, are classified descriptively as "black" or "brown". They are composed mostly of calcium hydrogen bilirubinate, Ca(HUCB)(2), which is polymerized and oxidized in "black" stones but remains unpolymerized in "brown" stones. Black stones form in sterile gallbladder bile but brown stones form secondary to stasis and anaerobic bacterial infection in any part of the biliary tree, including the gallbladder. Other calcium salts coprecipitate in both stone types; crystalline calcium phosphate and/or carbonate in the case of "black" stones and amorphous calcium salts of long chain saturated fatty acids ("soaps") in the case of "brown" stones. Cholesterol is present in variable proportions in "brown" more than "black" stones and in the latter, the bile sterol may be totally absent. The "scaffolding" of both stone types is a mixed mucin glycoprotein matrix secreted by epithelial cells lining the biliary tree. The critical pathophysiological prerequisite for "black" stone formation is "hyperbilirubinbilia" (biliary hypersecretion of bilirubin conjugates). It is due principally to hemolysis, ineffective erythropoiesis, or pathologic enterohepatic cycling of unconjugated bilirubin. Endogenous biliary β-glucuronidase hydrolysis of bilirubin conjugates in gallbladder bile provides HUCB(-) molecules that precipitate as insoluble salts with ionized Ca. Putatively, reactive oxygen species secreted by an inflamed gallbladder mucosa are responsible for transforming the initial soft yellow precipitates into hard black [Ca(HUCB)(2)](n) polymers. Despite "brown" gallstones being soft and amenable to mechanical removal, chronic anaerobic infection of the biliary tree is often markedly resistant to eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin C. Carey
- Corresponding author: Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Thorn Building, Room 1430, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA, , Phone: 617-732-5822, Fax: 617-730-5807
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Hunter LW, Shiekh FA, Pisimisis GT, Kim SH, Edeh SN, Miller VM, Lieske JC. Key role of alkaline phosphatase in the development of human-derived nanoparticles in vitro. Acta Biomater 2011; 7:1339-45. [PMID: 21029794 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2010.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme critical for physiological and pathological biomineralization. Experiments were designed to determine whether ALP participates in the formation of calcifying nanometer sized particles (NPs) in vitro. Filtered homogenates of human calcified carotid artery, aorta and kidney stones were inoculated into cell culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum in the absence or presence of inhibitors of ALP or pyrophosphate. A calcific NP biofilm developed within 1 week after inoculation and their development was reduced by pyrophosphate and inhibitors of ALP. ALP protein and enzymatic activity were detected in washed NPs, whether calcified or decalcified. Therefore, ALP activity is required for the formation of calcifying NPs in vitro, as has previously been implicated during pathological calcification in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry W Hunter
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Zeng J, Yang F, Zhang W, Gong Q, Du Y, Ling J. Association between dental pulp stones and calcifying nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2011; 6:109-18. [PMID: 21289988 PMCID: PMC3026576 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s13267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of dental pulp stones, one type of extraskeletal calcification disease, remains elusive to date. Calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs), formerly referred to as nanobacteria, were reported to be one etiological factor in a number of extraskeletal calcification diseases. We hypothesized that CNPs are involved in the calcification of the dental pulp tissue, and therefore investigated the link between CNPs and dental pulp stones. Sixty-five freshly collected dental pulp stones, each from a different patient, were analyzed. Thirteen of the pulp stones were examined for the existence of CNPs in situ by immunohistochemical staining (IHS), indirect immunofluorescence staining (IIFS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The remaining 52 pulp stones were used for isolation and cultivation of CNPs; the cultured CNPs were identified and confirmed via their shape and growth characteristics. Among the dental pulp stones examined in situ, 84.6% of the tissue samples staines positive for CNPs antigen by IHS; the corresponding rate by IIFS was 92.3 %. In 88.2% of the cultured samples, CNPs were isolated and cultivated successfully. The CNPs were visible under TEM as 200–400 nm diameter spherical particles surrounded by a compact crust. CNPs could be detected and isolated from a high percentage of dental pulp stones, suggesting that CNPs might play an important role in the calcification of dental pulp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zeng
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Guanghua School and Hospital of Stomatology and Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Shen X, Ming A, Li X, Zhou Z, Song B. Nanobacteria: a possible etiology for type III prostatitis. J Urol 2010; 184:364-9. [PMID: 20488493 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nanobacteria are thought to be a pathopoiesis bacterium in urological disease. We observed pathological changes in nanobacteria infected prostates in Sprague-Dawley(R) rats and investigated the possible etiological relationships of nanobacteria and type III prostatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We randomized 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats each to the control and model groups. Rat prostate infection models were reproduced by infusing nanobacteria suspension transurethrally. Rats were sacrificed 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks later, respectively. Prostatic pathology, and the cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were assessed. Nanobacteria isolation, culture and characterization were also analyzed. RESULTS In model rats we observed prostatic acute inflammatory changes 1 to 2 weeks after nanobacteria infusion and chronic inflammatory changes after 4 weeks. At 8 weeks we noted microcalculous formation in the prostatic glandular cavity in 7 of the 10 model rats, which was not seen in controls. Interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in prostatic tissues were higher in model rats than in controls at different time points (p <0.01). In model rats interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were higher 2 weeks after infusion than at 1, 4 and 8 weeks (p <0.05). Prostatic tissue was nanobacteria positive in 35 model rats and in 0 controls. CONCLUSIONS Nanobacteria may be an important etiological factor for type III prostatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng Shen
- Urological Research Institute of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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21
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Ciftçioğlu N, McKay DS. Pathological calcification and replicating calcifying-nanoparticles: general approach and correlation. Pediatr Res 2010; 67:490-9. [PMID: 20094006 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181d476ce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Calcification, a phenomenon often regarded by pathologists little more than evidence of cell death, is becoming recognized to be important in the dynamics of a variety of diseases from which millions of beings suffer in all ages. In calcification, all that is needed for crystal formation to start is nidi (nuclei) and an environment of available dissolved components at or near saturation concentrations, along with the absence of inhibitors for crystal formation. Calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) are the first calcium phosphate mineral containing particles isolated from human blood and were detected in numerous pathologic calcification related diseases. Controversy and critical role of CNP as nidi and triggering factor in human pathologic calcification are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neva Ciftçioğlu
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science [N.C., D.S.M.], National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058, USA.
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Critical evaluation of gamma-irradiated serum used as feeder in the culture and demonstration of putative nanobacteria and calcifying nanoparticles. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10343. [PMID: 20436679 PMCID: PMC2859944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The culture and demonstration of putative nanobacteria (NB) and calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) from human and animal tissues has relied primarily on the use of a culture supplement consisting of FBS that had been γ-irradiated at a dose of 30 kGy (γ-FBS). The use of γ-FBS is based on the assumption that this sterilized fluid has been rid entirely of any residual NB/CNP, while it continues to promote the slow growth in culture of NB/CNP from human/animal tissues. We show here that γ-irradiation (5–50 kGy) produces extensive dose-dependent serum protein breakdown as demonstrated through UV and visible light spectrophotometry, fluorometry, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and gel electrophoresis. Yet, both γ-FBS and γ-irradiated human serum (γ-HS) produce NB/CNP in cell culture conditions that are morphologically and chemically indistinguishable from their normal serum counterparts. Contrary to earlier claims, γ-FBS does not enhance the formation of NB/CNP from several human body fluids (saliva, urine, ascites, and synovial fluid) tested. In the presence of additional precipitating ions, both γ-irradiated serum (FBS and HS) and γ-irradiated proteins (albumin and fetuin-A) retain the inherent dual NB inhibitory and seeding capabilities seen also with their untreated counterparts. By gel electrophoresis, the particles formed from both γ-FBS and γ-HS are seen to have assimilated into their scaffold the same smeared protein profiles found in the γ-irradiated sera. However, their protein compositions as identified by proteomics are virtually identical to those seen with particles formed from untreated serum. Moreover, particles derived from human fluids and cultured in the presence of γ-FBS contain proteins derived from both γ-FBS and the human fluid under investigation—a confusing and unprecedented scenario indicating that these particles harbor proteins from both the host tissue and the FBS used as feeder. Thus, the NB/CNP described in the literature clearly bear hybrid protein compositions belonging to different species. We conclude that there is no basis to justify the use of γ-FBS as a feeder for the growth and demonstration of NB/CNP or any NB-like particles in culture. Moreover, our results call into question the validity of the entire body of literature accumulated to date on NB and CNP.
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Zhang SM, Tian F, Jiang XQ, Li J, Xu C, Guo XK, Zhang FQ. Evidence for calcifying nanoparticles in gingival crevicular fluid and dental calculus in periodontitis. J Periodontol 2009; 80:1462-70. [PMID: 19722797 DOI: 10.1902/jop.2009.080659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs), also known as nanobacteria, can produce carbonate apatite on their cell walls and initiate pathologic calcification. The objective of this study was to determine whether CNPs are present in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from subjects with periodontal disease and whether they can induce the pathologic calcification of primary cultured human gingival epithelial cells. METHODS GCF and dental calculus samples were collected from 10 subjects with gingivitis and 10 subjects with chronic periodontitis. CNPs in GCF and calculus filtrates were detected with nanocapture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The CNPs in cultures of dental calculus filtrates were also identified using immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and chemical analysis. Pathologic changes in the CNP-treated gingival epithelial cells were observed with TEM, alizarin red staining, and disk-scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS CNPs were found in GCF samples from two subjects with chronic periodontitis. Based on chemical analysis, the surface-associated material from CNPs isolated and cultured from calculus has a composition similar to dental calculus. The pathologic calcification of CNP-treated gingival epithelial cells was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Self-replicating calcifying nanoparticles can be cultured and identified from dental calculus. This raises the issue of whether CNPs contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Mei Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Wu CY, Martel J, Young D, Young JD. Fetuin-A/albumin-mineral complexes resembling serum calcium granules and putative nanobacteria: demonstration of a dual inhibition-seeding concept. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8058. [PMID: 19956594 PMCID: PMC2779105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum-derived granulations and purported nanobacteria (NB) are pleomorphic apatite structures shown to resemble calcium granules widely distributed in nature. They appear to be assembled through a dual inhibitory-seeding mechanism involving proteinaceous factors, as determined by protease (trypsin and chymotrypsin) and heat inactivation studies. When inoculated into cell culture medium, the purified proteins fetuin-A and albumin fail to induce mineralization, but they will readily combine with exogenously added calcium and phosphate, even in submillimolar amounts, to form complexes that will undergo morphological transitions from nanoparticles to spindles, films, and aggregates. As a mineralization inhibitor, fetuin-A is much more potent than albumin, and it will only seed particles at higher mineral-to-protein concentrations. Both proteins display a bell-shaped, dose-dependent relationship, indicative of the same dual inhibitory-seeding mechanism seen with whole serum. As ascertained by both seeding experiments and gel electrophoresis, fetuin-A is not only more dominant but it appears to compete avidly for nanoparticle binding at the expense of albumin. The nanoparticles formed in the presence of fetuin-A are smaller than their albumin counterparts, and they have a greater tendency to display a multi-layered ring morphology. In comparison, the particles seeded by albumin appear mostly incomplete, with single walls. Chemically, spectroscopically, and morphologically, the protein-mineral particles resemble closely serum granules and NB. These particles are thus seen to undergo an amorphous to crystalline transformation, the kinetics and completeness of which depend on the protein-to-mineral ratios, with low ratios favoring faster conversion to crystals. Our results point to a dual inhibitory-seeding, de-repression model for the assembly of particles in supersaturated solutions like serum. The presence of proteins and other inhibitory factors tend to block apatite nuclei formation or to stabilize the nascent nuclei as amorphous or semi-crystalline spherical nanoparticles, until the same inhibitory influences are overwhelmed or de-repressed, whereby the apatite nuclei grow in size to coalesce into crystalline spindles and films-a mechanism that may explain not only the formation of calcium granules in nature but also normal or ectopic calcification in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yeu Wu
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Research Center of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jan Martel
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - David Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John D. Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Biochemical Engineering Research Center, Mingchi University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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25
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Contribution of biologically derived nanoparticles to disease. Surgery 2009; 147:181-4. [PMID: 19767047 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2009.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Young JD, Martel J, Young L, Wu CY, Young A, Young D. Putative nanobacteria represent physiological remnants and culture by-products of normal calcium homeostasis. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4417. [PMID: 19198665 PMCID: PMC2636888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Putative living entities called nanobacteria (NB) are unusual for their small sizes (50-500 nm), pleomorphic nature, and accumulation of hydroxyapatite (HAP), and have been implicated in numerous diseases involving extraskeletal calcification. By adding precipitating ions to cell culture medium containing serum, mineral nanoparticles are generated that are morphologically and chemically identical to the so-called NB. These nanoparticles are shown here to be formed of amorphous mineral complexes containing calcium as well as other ions like carbonate, which then rapidly acquire phosphate, forming HAP. The main constituent proteins of serum-derived NB are albumin, fetuin-A, and apolipoprotein A1, but their involvement appears circumstantial since so-called NB from different body fluids harbor other proteins. Accordingly, by passage through various culture media, the protein composition of these particles can be modulated. Immunoblotting experiments reveal that antibodies deemed specific for NB react in fact with either albumin, fetuin-A, or both, indicating that previous studies using these reagents may have detected these serum proteins from the same as well as different species, with human tissue nanoparticles presumably absorbing bovine serum antigens from the culture medium. Both fetal bovine serum and human serum, used earlier by other investigators as sources of NB, paradoxically inhibit the formation of these entities, and this inhibition is trypsin-sensitive, indicating a role for proteins in this inhibitory process. Fetuin-A, and to a lesser degree albumin, inhibit nanoparticle formation, an inhibition that is overcome with time, ending with formation of the so-called NB. Together, these data demonstrate that NB are most likely formed by calcium or apatite crystallization inhibitors that are somehow overwhelmed by excess calcium or calcium phosphate found in culture medium or in body fluids, thereby becoming seeds for calcification. The structures described earlier as NB may thus represent remnants and by-products of physiological mechanisms used for calcium homeostasis, a concept which explains the vast body of NB literature as well as explains the true origin of NB as lifeless protein-mineralo entities with questionable role in pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Young
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Schwartz MAK, Lieske JC, Kumar V, Farell-Baril G, Miller VM. Human-derived nanoparticles and vascular response to injury in rabbit carotid arteries: proof of principle. Int J Nanomedicine 2008; 3:243-8. [PMID: 18686783 PMCID: PMC2527666 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s2473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-calcifying, self-replicating nanoparticles have been isolated from calcified human tissues. However, it is unclear if these nanoparticles participate in disease processes. Therefore, this study was designed to preliminarily test the hypothesis that human-derived nanoparticles are causal to arterial disease processes. One carotid artery of 3 kg male rabbits was denuded of endothelium; the contralateral artery remained unoperated as a control. Each rabbit was injected intravenously with either saline, calcified, or decalcified nanoparticles cultured from calcified human arteries or kidney stones. After 35 days, both injured and control arteries were removed for histological examination. Injured arteries from rabbits injected with saline showed minimal, eccentric intimal hyperplasia. Injured arteries from rabbits injected with calcified kidney stone- and arterial-derived nanoparticles occluded, sometimes with canalization. The calcified kidney stone-derived nanoparticles caused calcifications within the occlusion. Responses to injury in rabbits injected with decalcified kidney stone-derived nanoparticles were similar to those observed in saline-injected animals. However, decalcified arterial-derived nanoparticles produced intimal hyperplasia that varied from moderate to occlusion with canalization and calcification. This study offers the first evidence that there may be a causal relationship between human-derived nanoparticles and response to injury including calcification in arteries with damaged endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A K Schwartz
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Zhou Z, Hong L, Shen X, Rao X, Jin X, Lu G, Li L, Xiong E, Li W, Zhang J, Chen Z, Pan J, Song B. Detection of nanobacteria infection in type III prostatitis. Urology 2008; 71:1091-5. [PMID: 18538692 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2008.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2007] [Revised: 02/02/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between nanobacterial infection and type III prostatitis. The etiology of type III prostatitis remains unclear to date, although the recently discovered nanobacteria (NB) have been implicated in this disease. METHODS A total of 48 patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome for whom conventional therapy had failed were selected and randomly divided into two groups, one receiving anti-NB treatment and the other receiving a placebo. The NB were isolated and cultured from expressed prostatic secretions and urine samples before and after treatment. The morphologic features were recorded and 16s rRNA gene expression was determined. The curative effect was evaluated by the NB-positive rate and symptomatic changes using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. RESULTS After anti-NB treatment, the NB-positive rates had decreased from 62.5% to 16.7% in the expressed prostatic secretions and from 12.5% to 0% in the urine samples after prostatic massage (P <0.001). In the patients receiving a placebo, the positive rates had no obvious change in either the expressed prostatic secretions or the urine samples after prostatic massage (P >0.05). The NB were coccoid or coccobacillary and clustered in a diameter of 100 to 500 nm. The BLAST result revealed that the 16s rRNA gene sequence from the NB in the patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome was 97%, similar to that of the known NB with identity (97%). After anti-NB treatment, the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index scores decreased significantly. In contrast, no change in the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index scores was seen after placebo treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that nanobacterial infection might be an important etiologic factor of type III prostatitis. Anti-NB treatment could be an effective therapy against refractory type III prostatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhansong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Ciftçioğlu N, Vejdani K, Lee O, Mathew G, Aho KM, Kajander EO, McKay DS, Jones JA, Stoller ML. Association between Randall's plaque and calcifying nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2008; 3:105-15. [PMID: 18488421 PMCID: PMC2526355 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Randall initially described calcified subepithelial papillary plaques, which he hypothesized as nidi for urinary calculi. The discovery of calcifying nanoparticles (CNP), also referred to as nanobacteria, in calcified soft tissues has raised another hypothesis about their possible involvement in urinary stone formation. This research is the first attempt to investigate the potential association of these two hypotheses. Methods We collected renal papilla and blood samples from 17 human patients who had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy. Immunohistochemical staining (IHS) was applied using monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CNP. Homogenized papillary tissues and serum samples were cultured for CNP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed on papillary samples. Serum samples were tested for CNP antigen and antibody with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Randall’s plaques (RP) were visible on gross inspection in 11 out of 17 samples. IHS was positive for CNP antigen in 8 of the visually positive samples, but in only 1 of the remaining samples. SEM revealed spherical apatite-formations in 14 samples confirmed by EDS analysis. In cultures, all serum samples and 13 tissue homogenates grew CNP. In ELISA, 14 samples were positive for CNP-antigen and 11 samples were positive for CNP-antibody. Conclusion There was evidence of a link between detection of CNP and presence of RP. Although causality was not demonstrated, these results suggest that further studies with negative control samples should be made to explore the etiology of RP formation, thus leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of stone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neva Ciftçioğlu
- Nanobac Pharmaceuticals, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Tsurumoto T, Zhu D, Sommer AP. Identification of nanobacteria in human arthritic synovial fluid by method validated in human blood and urine using 200 nm model nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:3324-3328. [PMID: 18522113 DOI: 10.1021/es702857s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Earlier we introduced a biosensor for the identification of nanobacteria in water drops. Here, we generalize its principle and apply it to identify nanobacteria in synovial fluid from a patient with osteoarthritis. Results indicate the prevalence of nanobacteria in the synovial fluid. The identification method is applicable to body fluids such as unfiltered human blood and urine, is independent of culturing procedures, and permits for a rapid detection of nanoparticles in liquid drops. In view of increasing clinical evidence on a contribution of nanobacteria in disease, their reported detection in HIV-infected people in South Africa, laboratory experiments indicating the excretion of viable (i.e., propagating) nanobacteria from humans via urine, the use of human excreta in agricultural irrigation, models predicting an injection of nanoaerosols contained in irrigation water enriched with human excreta into the atmosphere, and the identification of nanobacteria in the terrestrial atmosphere, promote the identification method described in this work to an important tool to monitor nanobacteria in body fluids and environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Tsurumoto
- Department of Orthopaedics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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31
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Lieske JC. Can biologic nanoparticles initiate nephrolithiasis? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 4:308-9. [DOI: 10.1038/ncpneph0794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
Recent reports suggest that kidney stone disease prevalence is increasing. Despite significant treatment advances, the inciting factor and sequence of events leading to kidney stone formation remain elusive; however, recent efforts to understand the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis have led to a delineation of the human surgical anatomy, histopathology, and metabolic factors in a variety of kidney stone formers. This article reviews the fundamental concepts of calculus formation, and the leading theories of stone pathogenesis, focusing on recent data from human papillary and renal cortical biopsies in stone formers that provide evidence for the role of Randall's plaque in kidney stone disease pathogenesis. These data suggest there are individual stone-forming phenotypes with unique surgical anatomy, histology, and metabolic profiles.
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Chen L, Shen Y, Jia R, Xie A, Huang B, Cheng X, Zhang Q, Guo R. The Role ofEscherichia coliform in the Biomineralization of Calcium Oxalate Crystals. Eur J Inorg Chem 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.200700212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Urbano
- Medical School of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Silay MS, Miroglu C. The risk of urolithiasis recurrence may be reduced with anti-nanobacterial therapy. Med Hypotheses 2007; 68:1348-50. [PMID: 17140745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 10/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Urolithiasis is a common disorder responsible for serious human suffering and economic cost to society. Approximately 13% of men and 7% of women in the United States will be diagnosed with urolithiasis at some time in their lives with a recurrence rate of more than 50% in 5 years. Even if some risk factors are defined for stone formation, none of them can fully explain the etiopathogenesis. A controversial pathogen bacteria called 'nanobacteria' (NB) has been associated with several diseases including stone formation in some studies. It is thought to be the nidi for the stone formation after its' isolation from the renal stones and the occurrence of the stone after the percutaneus renal injection of NB. The clinical trials demonstrated that the eradication of NB prevented the calcifications in coronary arteries and prostate with an acceptable level by performing a novel combination therapy called 'ComET' which comprises a tetracycline antibiotic, nutraceutical and EDTA. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the risk of urolithiasis recurrence may be reduced with combined anti-nanobacterial therapy. Long term prospective studies should be designed for evaluating the patients with positive NB cultures. If our hypotheses can be further supported with clinical trials it may change the approach of the medical management for urolithiasis.
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Abstract
Nanobacteria, also known as calcifying nanoparticles (CNP), are controversial infectious agents not matching the current criteria for 'living organism'. Despite the controversy of their classification, they propagate and cause cell death in vitro and are associated or found in many human diseases. Thus, more efforts should be focussed on research on pathogenicity of CNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Kajander
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland.
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