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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Calcifying nanoparticles (nanobacteria): an additional potential factor for urolithiasis in space flight crews
Jeffrey A Jones1, Neva Ciftcioglu, Josef F Schmid
1National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Urology
|August 23, 2008
Summary
Microgravity may increase the risk of kidney stones by promoting the growth of calcifying nanoparticles. Analysis of an astronaut's kidney stone revealed characteristics of these nanoparticles, suggesting a potential link to spaceflight-related urolithiasis.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Microbiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Spaceflight is associated with an increased risk of urinary calculi (kidney stones).
- Calcifying nanoparticles (nanobacteria) proliferate faster in simulated microgravity.
- These nanoparticles form calcium phosphate shells, raising questions about their role in urolithiasis.
Observation:
- A kidney calculus was recovered from an astronaut after spaceflight.
- Morphologic and immunochemical analyses were performed on the calculus.
- Specific monoclonal antibody staining was utilized in the analysis.
Findings:
- The recovered calculus exhibited characteristics consistent with calcifying nanoparticles.
- This suggests that nanobacteria may serve as nidi for calculus formation.
- The findings support a potential role for nanobacteria in astronaut urolithiasis.
Implications:
- Calcifying nanoparticles may be a contributing factor to kidney stone development in astronauts.
- Understanding this mechanism could inform strategies for preventing urolithiasis during space missions.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of nanobacteria in spaceflight-induced urolithiasis.
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