Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Effects of water uptake on melamine renal stone formation in mice
Jiao Peng1, Daxu Li, Yee Kwan Chan
1Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Background:
Melamine-tainted food can induce kidney stones both in humans and animals and in domestic animals, severe cases caused acute kidney failure and death. Although increasing water intake can ameliorate kidney stone formation, its effect on melamine (Mel)-induced kidney stones has not been studied.
Methods:
We have analysed the effect of restricted ingestion of drinking water on melamine stone formation in mice. They were given melamine and cyanuric acid orally and received drinking water either freely or for a restricted time. Kidney stone formation and renal function were monitored.
Results:
Mice receiving drinking water for a restricted 10-h period initially lost body weight, which returned to normal within 2 days. No other abnormalities were observed. Ingestion of melamine alone failed to induce kidney stones even under conditions of restricted drinking water. In mice treated with melamine together with cyanuric acid for 3 days, no renal stones were formed when the supply of drinking was normal. However, when drinking water was limited, stone formation was observed and accompanied by high levels of serum urea and creatinine. An increase in urine haemoglobin and glucose levels was also found. The administration resulted in up-regulated tissue osteopontin, kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin messenger RNA expression and macrophage infiltration.
Conclusions:
Our results indicate the importance of water intake in the formation of melamine-induced renal stone formation in the mouse and provide new information on the mechanisms of melamine stone formation.
Insights
Restricting water intake exacerbates melamine and cyanuric acid-induced kidney stones in mice. Adequate hydration is crucial for preventing melamine-related renal damage and stone formation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Melamine-tainted food causes kidney stones and failure in humans and animals.
- Increasing water intake may mitigate kidney stone formation.
- The impact of water intake on melamine-induced stones is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of restricted water intake on melamine-induced kidney stone formation in mice.
- To understand the mechanisms underlying melamine stone development.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered melamine and cyanuric acid orally.
- Drinking water was provided freely or restricted to a 10-hour period.
- Kidney stone formation, renal function, and molecular markers were monitored.
Main Results:
- Restricted water intake led to melamine and cyanuric acid-induced kidney stone formation.
- Stone formation was associated with elevated serum urea and creatinine.
- Biomarkers of kidney injury and inflammation were upregulated.
Conclusions:
- Water intake plays a critical role in the development of melamine-induced renal stones.
- Restricted hydration significantly promotes melamine and cyanuric acid nephrotoxicity.
- This study elucidates key mechanisms in melamine stone pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations