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Testosterone and androgen receptor in human nephrolithiasis
Jin-Yi Li1, Tie Zhou, XiaoFeng Gao
1Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
The Journal of Urology
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Men with kidney stones have higher levels of testosterone and increased androgen receptors in their kidneys. This suggests that enhanced androgen signaling plays a role in the development of kidney calculi.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Kidney calculi (nephrolithiasis) affect a significant portion of the population.
- The role of androgens in kidney stone formation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma testosterone levels and kidney calculi.
- To examine androgen receptor expression in the kidneys of men with nephrolithiasis.
Main Methods:
- Compared plasma testosterone (total and free) in male patients with kidney stones and healthy controls.
- Analyzed kidney tissue from patients and autopsy controls using immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor.
- Determined stone composition in all patients.
Main Results:
- Patients with kidney stones had significantly higher levels of both total and free testosterone compared to controls (p<0.001).
- Kidney tissue from patients with nephrolithiasis showed up-regulation of androgen receptors.
- Calculi were primarily calcium oxalate monohydrate or dihydrate, with some containing protein or uric acid.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced androgen signaling is implicated in human nephrolithiasis.
- Findings suggest a potential link between hormonal status and kidney stone development.
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