High-Throughput in vitro Gel-Based Plate Assay to Screen for Calcium Oxalate Stone Inhibitors

Kidney stones are a common medical condition that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Approximately, ∼80% of urinary calculi are composed of calcium oxalate (CaOx). There is a growing interest toward identifying therapeutic compounds that can inhibit the formation of CaOx crystals. However, some chemicals (e.g., antibiotics and bacterial metabolites) may directly promote crystallization. Current knowledge is limited regarding crystal promoters and inhibitors. Thus, we have developed an in vitro gel-based diffusion model to screen for substances that directly influence CaOx crystal formation.

We used double diffusion of sodium oxalate and calcium chloride-loaded paper disks along an agar medium to facilitate the controlled formation of monohydrate and dihydrate CaOx crystals. A third disk was used for the perpendicular diffusion of a test substance to assess its influence on CaOx crystal formation.

We confirmed that citrates and magnesium are effective inhibitors of CaOx crystals. We also demonstrated that 2 strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli are able to promote crystal formation. While the other tested uropathogens and most antibiotics did not change crystal formation, ampicillin was able to reduce crystallization.

We have developed an inexpensive and high-throughput model to evaluate substances that influence CaOx crystallization.