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Osteopontin and calcium stone formation

Jack G Kleinman1, Jeffrey A Wesson, Jeremy Hughes

  • 1Nephrology Division, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53925, USA. kleinman@mcw.edu <kleinman@mcw.edu>

Nephron. Physiology
|October 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Osteopontin (OPN) inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth in vitro but its role in kidney stone adhesion is debated. This review examines OPN

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nephrology
  • Mineral Metabolism

Background:

  • Osteopontin (OPN) is a ubiquitous phosphorylated protein.
  • OPN is found in calcifications, including kidney stones.
  • Its role in crystal adhesion to renal cells is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence linking OPN to kidney stone disease.
  • To focus on OPN's interaction with calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals.
  • To present preliminary data on urinary OPN in stone formers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on OPN and kidney stones.
  • Analysis of OPN's in vitro effects on crystal formation and growth.
  • Examination of OPN's interaction with calcium oxalate.
  • Preliminary analysis of urinary OPN levels and characteristics.

Main Results:

  • OPN is a potent inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystal formation and growth in vitro.
  • Evidence for OPN's role in crystal adhesion to tubular cells remains controversial.
  • Preliminary data suggests differences in urinary OPN between stone formers and controls.

Conclusions:

  • OPN plays a complex role in kidney stone pathogenesis, particularly concerning calcium oxalate.
  • Further research is needed to clarify OPN's function in crystal adhesion and stone formation.
  • Urinary OPN may serve as a potential biomarker for kidney stone disease.

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