Age-dependent association between Dickkopf-1 and calcium-containing urolithiasis

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Biochemistry
• Urology

Background:

• Calcium-containing upper urinary tract stones (Ca-UUTS) are a common condition.
• Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway, implicated in various biological processes.
• The role of DKK1 in the pathogenesis of Ca-UUTS is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) levels in patients with calcium-containing upper urinary tract stones (Ca-UUTS).
• To explore the association between serum DKK1 levels and stone composition, urine calcium levels, and patient demographics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study including 184 patients with Ca-UUTS and 46 age-matched controls.
• Serum DKK1 levels and urine calcium/creatinine ratios were measured in all participants.
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare groups and identify associations.

Main Results:

• Serum DKK1 levels were significantly higher in Ca-UUTS patients compared to controls.
• Elevated DKK1 levels were observed in patients with calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones.
• A positive association between serum DKK1 and age was found in controls, but not in patients. In subjects younger than 50, Ca-UUTS patients showed significantly higher DKK1 levels.

Conclusions:

• Serum DKK1 is positively associated with the formation of Ca-UUTS.
• DKK1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of Ca-UUTS, particularly in younger individuals.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.