What is the Role of Zinc in Kidney Stones?

Resolving conflicting theories about the role of zinc in kidney stone formation can help to identify new ways to prevent kidney stone formation.

Kidneys filter waste from the blood to form urine. Sometimes, salts and other minerals in urine stick together to form small kidney stones.

There are two contradicting theories about the impact of zinc on kidney stones. One theory is zinc stops the growth of the calcium oxalate crystals helps in the formation of kidney stones and the second theory is zinc alters the surfaces of crystals which encourages further growth.

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‘Double-edged sword effect of zinc in kidney stone formation.’

h Jeffrey Rimer and Abraham E. Dukler at the University of Houston conducted the first study to offer some resolution to the differing hypotheses of zinc.

"What we see with zinc is something we haven't seen before. It does slow down calcium oxalate crystal growth and at the same time it changes the surface of the crystals, causing defects in the form of intergrowths. These abnormalities create centers for new crystals to nucleate and grow," reports Rimer, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston.

Calcium oxalate monohydrates (COM), the most naturally abundant form of calcium oxalate crystals along with various inorganic salts and organic compounds (e.g., proteins) deposits crystallize or stick together in concentrated urine form kidney stones.

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This study using a combination of in vitro experiments and computational modeling published in Crystal Growth & Design decodes the effects of zinc on COM crystal growth at the molecular level.

The dual role of zinc on COM is confirmed by atomic force microscopy measurements shows the unique ability of zinc ions to alter the termination of crystal surfaces can help to identify new ways to prevent kidney stone formation.

Quiz on Kidney Stones
Kidney stones or calculus produces the most severe form of pain in humans. The pain has often been described to be worse than childbirth, broken bones, gunshot wounds, burns, or surgery. Once you form a kidney stone you are always susceptible to another stone. Take this quiz to find out how much do you know about stone disease. Once you complete find out how you fared compared to others who have taken the quiz.

Source-Medindia

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