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Regulation on Calcium Oxalate Crystallization and Protection on HK-2 Cells of Tea Polysaccharides with Different
Hong Liu1, Xin-Yuan Sun2, Feng-Xin Wang1
1Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomineralization and Lithiasis Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Abstract:
The regulation on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization and protective effect on human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) of four green tea polysaccharides (TPSs) with molecular weights of 10.88 (TPS0), 8.16 (TPS1), 4.82 (TPS2), and 2.3 kDa (TPS3) were comparatively studied. XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that TPS1, TPS2, and TPS3 can increase the percentage of the dihydrate crystalline phase in CaOx crystals and reduce the size of CaOx monohydrate crystals. TPSs increased the absolute value of the zeta potential of CaOx crystal and inhibited crystal nucleation and aggregation. The nucleation inhibition rates of TPS1, TPS2, and TPS3 to CaOx crystallization were 56.67%, 75.52%, and 52.92%, respectively, and their aggregation inhibition rates were 22.34%, 47.59%, and 21.59%, respectively. TPS preprotection can alleviate the oxidative damage of HK-2 cells caused by oxalate, increase cell viability, protect cell morphology, and reduce lactate dehydrogenase release and reactive oxygen species levels. The degraded TSPs, especially TPS2 with moderate molecular weight, may be used as a green drug to inhibit stone formation.
Insights
Green tea polysaccharides (TPSs) regulate calcium oxalate crystallization and protect kidney cells. Moderate molecular weight TPS, particularly TPS2, shows promise as a natural stone inhibitor.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nephrology
Background:
- Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are a primary component of kidney stones.
- Understanding the regulation of CaOx crystallization is crucial for developing preventative strategies.
- Oxidative damage to renal cells is a key factor in kidney stone formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of four green tea polysaccharides (TPSs) with varying molecular weights on CaOx crystallization.
- To evaluate the protective effects of TPSs against oxalate-induced damage in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2).
- To identify potential therapeutic applications of TPSs in preventing kidney stone formation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of four TPSs (TPS0, TPS1, TPS2, TPS3) with molecular weights ranging from 2.3 to 10.88 kDa.
- Characterization of CaOx crystal properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
- Assessment of TPS effects on CaOx crystal nucleation and aggregation, including zeta potential measurements.
- Evaluation of TPS protection against oxalate-induced oxidative stress in HK-2 cells, measuring cell viability, morphology, lactate dehydrogenase release, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
Main Results:
- TPS1, TPS2, and TPS3 modified CaOx crystal composition, increasing the dihydrate phase and reducing monohydrate crystal size.
- TPSs enhanced the zeta potential of CaOx crystals, inhibiting nucleation and aggregation.
- Significant nucleation inhibition rates were observed for TPS1 (56.67%), TPS2 (75.52%), and TPS3 (52.92%).
- TPS preprotection significantly reduced oxalate-induced oxidative damage in HK-2 cells, improving viability and morphology while lowering LDH and ROS levels.
Conclusions:
- Green tea polysaccharides, especially those with moderate molecular weights like TPS2, effectively inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation.
- TPSs demonstrate significant protective effects on renal tubular epithelial cells against oxalate-induced oxidative stress.
- Degraded TPSs, particularly TPS2, hold potential as a natural therapeutic agent for preventing kidney stones.
