Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
07:45
Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Heavy elements in urinary stones
D Bazin1, P Chevallier, G Matzen
1Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Bâtiment 510, Université Paris Sud, 91405 Orsay, France.
Urological Research
|May 12, 2007
Summary
Zinc and strontium are the main heavy metals in urinary stones, primarily found in calcium-based stones. Their presence suggests substitution for calcium rather than a direct role in stone formation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- The role of heavy metals in the etiology of urinary stones remains unclear.
- Previous research has yielded conflicting findings regarding heavy metal presence in calculi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and abundance of trace heavy metals in urinary calculi.
- To elucidate the potential role of heavy metals in the formation of different types of urinary stones.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 78 urinary calculi with well-defined compositions.
- Utilized synchrotron radiation-based microfluorescence X-ray analysis for elemental identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- Seven trace heavy metals were identified, with zinc (Zn) and strontium (Sr) being the most abundant, comprising 91% of the total heavy metal content.
- Zn and Sr were predominantly found in calcium-containing stones (calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate), with lower concentrations in uric acid or cystine stones.
- Lead (Pb) levels were lower than previously reported, suggesting environmental reduction, while selenium (Se) was mainly detected in cystine stones.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of Zn and Sr in calcium stones suggests they act as substitutes for calcium ions (Ca2+), rather than directly contributing to stone formation.
- Further research is warranted to explore the correlation between urinary calcium concentration and the accumulation of Zn and Sr in calculi.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
The diagnosis of renal calculi involves several imaging techniques, including non-contrast CT scans and ultrasound. These methods help visualize kidney stones, assess their size and location, and detect possible obstructions. Additionally, Measuring urine pH is useful for diagnosing specific stone types, such as struvite (alkaline pH) and uric acid stones (acidic pH). Cystine stones are primarily linked to cystinuria, a genetic condition. A urinalysis helps detect blood in the urine (hematuria)...
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are solid deposits of minerals and salts formed inside the kidneys. In medical terminology, "calculus" refers to the stone itself, while "lithiasis" describes the process of stone formation. Depending on their location within the urinary system, these stones may be classified as either urolithiasis, when situated within the urinary tract, or nephrolithiasis, when located within the kidneys. Each term signifies the specific impact of the stone.Predisposition...
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
AssessmentSubjective Data: Obtain a detailed health history, including any recent or chronic urinary tract infections, periods of immobilization, previous episodes of renal calculi, and medical conditions such as gout, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hyperparathyroidism. Review the medication history for drugs that may influence stone formation, including allopurinol, analgesics, loop diuretics, or thiazide diuretics. Document the use of long-term indwelling catheters and any past surgical...