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Serum and urinary zinc levels in urolithiasis
1Department of Surgery, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bhopal, India.
British Journal of Urology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Urinary zinc levels may increase and serum zinc levels decrease secondary to urolithiasis (kidney stone formation). The study questions zinc
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Urology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Zinc is recognized for its role in inhibiting crystal formation and growth.
- In vivo and in vitro studies suggest urinary zinc levels are significant in urolithiasis.
- Recent research presents conflicting findings regarding zinc's role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum and urinary zinc levels in patients with urolithiasis.
- To determine if zinc levels are altered secondary to stone formation.
Main Methods:
- Measured blood serum and urinary zinc levels.
- Compared levels in 30 healthy controls and 42 patients with renal, ureteric, and vesical calculi.
- Analyzed statistical significance across groups.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in zinc levels were observed across all patient groups.
- Zinc levels varied based on the number of calculi present.
- Increased urinary zinc and decreased serum zinc levels were associated with stone formation.
Conclusions:
- Observed alterations in zinc levels appear secondary to the urolithiasis process.
- The role of zinc as a direct inhibitor of urolithiasis is questionable based on these findings.