Morin hydrate mitigates calcium oxalate urolithiasis by inhibiting oxalate synthesis and modulating crystal formation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis is a common urinary stone disease.
• Developing effective preventive therapies for CaOx stones is a significant clinical need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of Morin Hydrate (MH), a natural bioflavonoid, in preventing CaOx urolithiasis.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying MH's anti-urolithic effects.

Main Methods:

• Molecular docking simulations to assess MH binding to glycolate oxidase (GO).
• In vitro assays to evaluate MH's effect on CaOx crystal nucleation, aggregation, and growth.
• In vivo studies in Wistar rats to assess diuretic activity and therapeutic efficacy in a urolithiasis model.
• Biochemical analysis of urinary and serum markers, oxidative stress indicators, and renal tissue histopathology.

Main Results:

• MH demonstrated strong binding to GO, suggesting inhibition of oxalate synthesis.
• In vitro, MH inhibited CaOx crystal nucleation, aggregation, and growth, altering crystal morphology.
• MH exhibited moderate diuretic activity, increasing urine volume and ion excretion.
• In vivo, MH treatment improved renal function markers, reduced oxidative stress, protected renal tissue, and decreased GO and lactate dehydrogenase activities.

Conclusions:

• Morin Hydrate is a promising natural compound for preventing and treating CaOx urolithiasis.
• MH acts by inhibiting oxalate production, crystal formation, and exhibiting diuretic and renoprotective effects.
• MH holds potential for clinical application in managing kidney stone risk and recurrence.