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Environmental Conditions as Determinants of Kidney Stone Formation
Carmen González-Enguita1, Gonzalo Bueno-Serrano1, Andrés López de Alda-González2
1Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Avenida Reyes Católicos, 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|November 1, 2023
Summary
This study compares kidney stones from different Spanish regions, revealing low crystallinity and hydration linked to environmental and dietary factors. These findings offer insights into urolithiasis causes and geographical variations.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Urolithiasis, or urinary tract stones, arises from diverse factors including genetics, environment, diet, and infections.
- Kidney stones are biomaterials formed via crystalline growth, often resisting natural elimination.
- Geographical location may influence the composition and characteristics of urinary stones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare kidney stone (calculi) characteristics from distinct geographical populations in Spain (Don Benito/Badajoz vs. Madrid).
- To investigate the relationship between stone composition and environmental/social factors.
- To analyze the crystalline structure and hydration states of urinary calculi.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 40 kidney calculi from Don Benito, Badajoz University Hospital, and comparison with stones from Madrid.
- Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy was employed to examine stone properties.
Main Results:
- Cathodoluminescence analysis indicated low crystallinity and hydration states in the studied urinary stones.
- The importance of calcium (Ca) cation bonds was observed across all stone structures.
- Differences in stone composition were noted between the two geographical populations.
Conclusions:
- Urinary stone composition is influenced by geographical and population-specific factors, including diet and environmental exposures.
- Low crystallinity and hydration may be key characteristics of urinary stones in these populations.
- Further research into environmental and social determinants of urolithiasis is warranted.
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