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[Diurnal variation in plasma oxalate concentration and oxalate clearance in calcium oxalate stone formers with special reference to the effect of oxalate loading].

The diurnal variations in the plasma oxalate concentration and oxalate clearance were examined at the state of oxalate restriction and loading on 6 normal subjects and 11 calcium oxalate stone formers. The oxalate-restricted diet contained 44.5 mg of total oxalate, 32.2 mg of soluble oxalate, and for oxalate loading, spinach (100 g: total oxalate 429 mg, soluble oxalate 156 mg) was added to the oxalate-restricted diet at breakfast. Normal subjects showed a diurnal variation in plasma oxalate at oxalate restriction and loading. The plasma oxalate concentration showed the highest level under the fasting condition, gradually dropped and was then fixed at the lower level during the day. The oxalate clearance during the day was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than that during the night in normal subjects taking the oxalate restricted diet, and after they were oxalate loaded, it increased significantly (p less than 0.05) for 6 hours, but returned to the level at oxalate restriction during the night. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in oxalate clearance between day and night in calcium oxalate stone formers. As compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the diurnal variation in the plasma oxalate concentration, oxalate clearance at oxalate restriction, or in the diurnal variation of the plasma oxalate concentration at oxalate loading. However, the oxalate clearance during the night after oxalate loading increased significantly (p less than 0.05) compared with the control group. Based on the pattern of urinary oxalate excretion during the night compared with the control group, the stone formers were divided into two groups. The first group showed significantly (p less than 0.01) higher oxalate clearance during the night both during oxalate restriction and loading. The oxalate clearance increased significantly up to 8 hours after oxalate loading (p less than 0.01) and during the night (p less than 0.05) compared with the level during oxalate restriction. The plasma oxalate concentration did not increase after loading. The second group showed a significantly (p less than 0.05) lower oxalate clearance during the day after oxalate loading. The oxalate clearance (p less than 0.05) was significantly increased for 4 hours after the loading compared to the during oxalate restriction. The plasma oxalate concentration increased at 6 hours after oxalate loading. There was no significant difference in oxalate clearance during the night. The diurnal variation in plasma oxalate level, a decrease during the day and an increase during the night, was shown in both normal subjects and stone formers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗

Oxalate absorption and endogenous oxalate synthesis from ascorbate in calcium oxalate stone formers and non-stone formers.

BACKGROUND: Increased rates of either oxalate absorption or endogenous oxalate synthesis can contribute to hyperoxaluria, a primary risk factor for the formation of calcium oxalate-containing kidney stones. This study involves a comparative assessment of oxalate absorption and endogenous oxalate synthesis in subpopulations of stone formers (SFs) and non-stone formers (NSFs) and an assessment of the effect of ascorbate supplementation on oxalate absorption and endogenous oxalate synthesis. METHODS: Twenty-nine individuals with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones (19 men, 10 women) and 19 age-matched NSFs (8 men, 11 women) participated in two 6-day controlled feeding experimental periods: ascorbate-supplement (2 g/d) and no-supplement treatments. An oxalate load consisting of 118 mg of unlabeled oxalate and 18 mg of 13C2 -oxalic acid was administered the morning of day 6 of each experimental period. RESULTS: Mean 13C2 -oxalic acid absorption averaged across the ascorbate and no-supplement treatments was significantly greater in SFs (9.9%) than NSFs (8.0%). SFs also had significantly greater 24-hour post-oxalate load urinary total oxalate and endogenous oxalate levels with both treatments. Twenty-four-hour urinary total oxalate level correlated strongly with both 13C2 -oxalic acid absorption (SFs, r = 0.76; P < 0.01; NSFs, r = 0.62; P < 0.01) and endogenous oxalate synthesis (SFs, r = 0.95; P < 0.01; NSFs, r = 0.92; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SFs are characterized by greater rates of both oxalate absorption and endogenous oxalate synthesis, and both these factors contribute to the hyperoxaluric state. The finding that ascorbate supplementation increased urinary total and endogenous oxalate levels suggested that this practice is a risk factor for individuals predisposed to kidney stones.

Adult↗

Effect of dietary oxalate and calcium on urinary oxalate and risk of formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Dietary restriction of oxalate intake has been used as therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Although urinary oxalate is derived predominantly from endogenous synthesis, it may also be affected by dietary intake of oxalate and calcium. The risk of increasing urinary oxalate excretion by excessive consumption of dietary oxalate is greatest in individuals with a high rate of oxalate absorption, both with and without overt intestinal disease. Although oxalate-rich foods enhanced excretion of urinary oxalate in normal volunteers, the increase was not proportional to the oxalate content of the food. Only eight foods--spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, and strawberries--caused a significant increase in urinary oxalate excretion. Restriction of dietary calcium enhances oxalate absorption and excretion, whereas an increase in calcium intake may reduce urinary oxalate excretion by binding more oxalate in the gut. This review of the literature indicates that initial dietary therapy for stone-forming individuals can be limited to the restriction of foods definitely shown to increase urinary oxalate. The effects of oxalate-restricted diets on urinary oxalate should be evaluated by means of laboratory analyses of urine composition. Subsequent long-term therapy can be recommended if beneficial results are obtained from oxalate restriction at an appropriate calcium intake.

Animals↗

Intestinal hyperabsorption of oxalate in calcium oxalate stone formers: application of a new test with [13C2]oxalate.

In up to one-third of patients with calcium oxalate stones, a hyperoxaluria can be detected. Hyperoxaluria can result from increased endogenous production, from excessive oxalate content of the food, or from intestinal hyperabsorption. For a causal therapy, it is important to discriminate between metabolic and hyperabsorptive hyperoxaluria. Our new 13C-oxalate test allows this differentiation. Under standardized conditions, 50 mg of disodium salt of [13C2]oxalic acid was applied. From the amount of labeled oxalate excreted in urine as measured by a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay, the intestinal absorption was calculated. Seventy patients with recurrent calcium oxalate urolithiasis who had no signs of inflammatory bowel disease were tested. Their mean intestinal oxalate absorption was 9.2+/-5.1%. This was significantly higher than the mean absorption of 50 healthy volunteers (6.7+/-3.9%). There was no difference in oxalate absorption between male (n = 25) and female volunteers. Oxalate absorption correlated with the oxalate excretion in the 24-h urine (volunteers: r = 0.46, P < 0.01; patients: r = 0.62, P < 0.001). Oxalate hyperabsorption was defined as an absorption exceeding 10%. According to this definition, 34% of the patients had oxalate hyperabsorption; 20% of the volunteers showed a hyperabsorption, too. The 13C-oxalate absorption test allows reliable determination of intestinal oxalate absorption. Because of the use of a stable isotope, this test may be repeated as often as required. It will allow the control of therapeutic regimens and also help to unravel genetic influences in stone formation.

Adolescent↗

Intestinal oxalate absorption is higher in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers than in healthy controls: measurements with the [(13)C2]oxalate absorption test.

PURPOSE: We assessed the importance of oxalate hyperabsorption for idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis, oxalate absorption in healthy volunteers and recurrent calcium oxalate stone formers was compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The [(13)C2]oxalate absorption test, a standardized, radioactivity-free test, was performed. On 2 days 24-hour urine was collected and an identical standard diet containing 800 mg Ca daily was maintained. On the morning of day 2 a capsule containing 0.37 mmol sodium [(13)C2]oxalate was ingested. A total of 120 healthy volunteers (60 women and 60 men) and 120 patients (30 women and 90 men) with idiopathic CaOx urolithiasis (60% or greater CaOx) were tested. RESULTS: Mean intestinal oxalate absorption in the volunteers was 8.0 +/- 4.4%, and in the patients was 10.2 +/- 5.2% (p <0.001). There was no significant difference in mean absorption values between men and women within both groups. A high overlap between the absorption values of volunteers and patients was found. Only in the patient group did absorption values greater than 20% occur. Oxalate absorption correlated with oxalate excretion in the patients, r = 0.529 (p <0.01) and in the volunteers, r = 0.307 (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In high oxalate absorbers dietary oxalate has a significant role in oxalate excretion and, therefore, increases the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.

Adolescent↗

Modulatory effect of the 23-kD calcium oxalate monohydrate binding protein on calcium oxalate stone formation during oxalate stress.

AIMS: To isolate, characterize, and quantify the 23-kD calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) binding protein in the urine of controls and calcium oxalate stone formers and to study its role in kidney stone formation. METHODS: Calcium oxalate crystals were prepared and allowed to interact with human control kidney homogenate as well as urine of controls and calcium oxalate stone formers. EDTA extract was used for the separation of the 23-kD COM-binding protein (partially purified). This partially purified 23-kD COM-binding protein was further separated by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. SDS-PAGE confirmed the molecular weight. An antibody was raised against the renal 23-kD COM-binding protein in rabbits. The 23-kD COM-binding protein was quantified in the urine from controls and stone formers by ELISA. Thiol group quantification, oxalate-binding assay, and calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation were performed. Morphological changes of the calcium oxalate crystals induced by the urinary 23-kDa protein were determined using scanning electron microscopy. The expression of this protein using different concentrations of oxalate was also determined in an in vitro model. RESULTS: The urinary excretion of the 23-kD COM-binding protein varies between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/24 h in controls, while in stone former its excretion was found to range from 5 to 7 mg/24 h. The protein isolated from urine was found to inhibit crystal nucleation and aggregation in controls, while the protein isolated from stone formers exhibited less inhibitory activity with reduced thiol groups. The 23-kD COM-binding protein derived from control urine formed COM crystals and intertwined calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals in a crystal growth system, while protein isolated from stone formers' urine induced aggregation of COM crystals. This protein expression was found to be increased with increasing concentration of oxalate in renal epithelial cells of the African green monkey kidney (VERO) cell line. CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression and excretion of the 23-kD protein was observed in oxalate stress conditions, and in stone formers this protein exhibited a promoting activity. The increased excretion of this protein with promoting activity favors the lithogenic process in stone formers.

Animals↗

[14C-oxalate autoradiographic studies on distribution of oxalate and calcium oxalate crystal fixation in rat kidney].

To elucidate the intrarenal distribution of oxalate and to reveal the first site of calcium oxalate crystal fixation along the nephron, we carried out 14C-oxalate renal microautoradiography by the thaw mount method 30, 60 and 90 min after intravenous administration of 14C-oxalate, in normal rats and in hyperoxaluric rats fed a vitamin B6-deficient diet for 4 and 9 weeks. In normal rats, radioactivity was observed in the entire kidney area at 30 min after the injection and at 90 min there was radioactivity only in the papilla, where radioactivity appeared in the parenchyma, mamely the epithelial cells of collecting ducts and the surrounding interstitial tissue. In hyperoxaluric rats, microautoradiograms showed the spotted deposits of 14C-oxalate in both renal papilla and medulla. In 600 x magnification of the autoradiograms, most of the deposits were detected in the epithelial cells of collecting ducts and the surrounding interstitial tissue. These deposits were identified by a polarizing microscope and X-ray microanalysis as crystal deposits of calcium oxalate. These results indicated that oxalate remained for an extended period of time in the epithelial cells of collecting ducts and in the surrounding interstitial tissue in renal papilla, and the calcium oxalate crystals fixed to the same tissue was the first step in the development of calcium oxalate stones.

Animals↗

Determination of oxalate in urine using oxalate oxidase: comparison with oxalate decarboxylase.

The oxalate content of urine is determined by means of oxalate oxidase and simple pH measurement. The enzyme specifically decarboxylates oxalate, producing two moles CO2 per mole oxalate. The CO2 diffuses into an alkaline buffer solution (Hallson, P. C. & Rose, G. A. (1974), Clin. Chim. Acta 55, 29--39) in the closed reaction vessel, and reduces the pH value, which is measured with an electrode. Only 125 microliter native urine is required to measure oxalate concentrations in the range of 80 mumol/l to 1.6 mmol/l (corresponding to 7 to 144 mg anhydrous oxalic acid per liter). The limit of detection is 10 nmol oxalate, and the accuracy is 101% with a coefficient of variation of 6%. The method described is insensitive to various interfering factors, such as reducing and oxidizing substances, cloudy or colored samples. It is therefore also suitable for oxalate determination in food technology and plant breeding.

Carboxy-Lyases↗

Rapid and convenient determination of oxalic acid employing a novel oxalate biosensor based on oxalate oxidase and SIRE technology.

A new method for rapid determination of oxalic acid was developed using oxalate oxidase and a biosensor based on SIRE (sensors based on injection of the recognition element) technology. The method was selective, simple, fast, and cheap compared with other present detection systems for oxalate. The total analysis time for each assay was 2-9 min. A linear range was observed between 0 and 5 mM when the reaction conditions were 30 degrees C and 60 s. The linear range and upper limit for concentration determination could be increased to 25 mM by shortening the reaction time. The lower limit of detection in standard solutions, 20 microM, could be achieved by means of modification of the reaction conditions, namely increasing the temperature and the reaction time. The biosensor method was compared with a conventional commercially available colorimetric method with respect to the determination of oxalic acid in urine samples. The urine oxalic acid concentrations determined with the biosensor method correlated well (R=0.952) with the colorimetric method.

Biosensing Techniques↗

Isolation from human calcium oxalate renal stones of nephrocalcin, a glycoprotein inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystal growth. Evidence that nephrocalcin from patients with calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis is deficient in gamma-carboxyglutamic acid.

We have determined that the organic matrix of calcium oxalate kidney stones contains a glycoprotein inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystal growth (nephrocalcin) that resembles nephrocalcin present in the urine of patients with calcium oxalate stones and differs from nephrocalcin from the urine of normal people. Pulverized calcium oxalate renal stones were extracted with 0.05 M EDTA, pH 8.0; nephrocalcin eluted in five peaks using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and each peak was further resolved by Sephacryl S-200 column chromatography. Four of the five DEAE peaks corresponded to those usually found in nephrocalcin from urine; the fifth eluted at a lower ionic strength than any found in urine. Amino acid compositions and surface properties of nephrocalcins isolated from kidney stones closely resembled those of nephrocalcins isolated from urine of stone-forming patients: they differed from normal in lacking gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues, and in forming air-water interfacial films that were less stable than those formed by nephrocalcin from normal urine.

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

Association of absence of intestinal oxalate degrading bacteria with urinary calcium oxalate stone formation.

AIM: Urinary concentration of oxalate is considered an important factor in the formation of renal stones. Dietary oxalate is a major contributor to urinary oxalate excretion in most individuals. Furthermore, oxalate degrading bacteria have been isolated from human feces. We investigated the significance of oxalate degrading bacteria for urinary oxalate excretion and urinary stone formation. METHODS: Twenty-two known calcium oxalate stone-forming patients (stone formers) and 34 healthy volunteers (non-stone formers) were included in the study. Stool specimens were inoculated into pepton yeast glucose (PYG) medium supplemented with oxalate under anaerobic condition at 37 C for one week. After the incubation period, each colony was checked for the loss of oxalate from the culture medium. A 24-h urine sample was collected in 43 individuals and analyzed for oxalate excretion. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 34 (82%) healthy volunteers and 10 of 22 (45%) calcium oxalate stone formers were colonized with oxalate degrading bacteria. Calcium oxalate stone formers were more frequently free of oxalate degrading bacteria (P < 0.01). Urinary excretion of oxalate in those with oxalate degrading bacteria was significantly less than in those without oxalate degrading bacteria (P < 0.05). Hyperoxaluria (> 40 mg/day) was found in four of 27 individuals (15%) with oxalate degrading bacteria compared to seven of 16 (44%) without oxalate degrading bacteria (P < 0.05), suggesting an association between the absence of oxalate degrading bacteria and the presence of hyperoxaluria. CONCLUSION: The absence of oxalate degrading bacteria in the gut could promote the absorption of oxalate, thereby increasing the level of urinary oxalate excretion. The absence of oxalate degrading bacteria from the gut appears to be a risk factor for the presence of absorptive hyperoxaluria and an increased likelihood of urolithiasis.

Adult↗

Urinary oxalic acid excretion differs after oral loading of rats with various oxalate salts.

BACKGROUND: To compare urinary oxalate excretion after the oral administration of oxalic acid, disodium oxalate, or calcium oxalate in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six rats each and were intravenously hydrated with normal saline, and then were administered normal saline (control group), 10 mg of oxalic acid, equimolar disodium oxalate, or equimolar calcium oxalate via a gastrostomy. Urine specimens were collected just before administration and at hourly intervals up to 5 h afterwards. The urinary oxalate, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels were measured. RESULTS: Urinary oxalate excretion peaked at 1-2 h after administration of oxalic acid or equimolar disodium oxalate, while administration of calcium oxalate only caused a small increase of urinary oxalate excretion. Cumulative urinary oxalate excretion during 5 h was 1.69 +/- 0.10 mg (mean +/- SD; 17%), 1.43 +/- 0.13 mg (13%), and 0.22 +/- 0.03 mg (2%) after the administration of oxalic acid, disodium oxalate, and calcium oxalate, respectively. Urinary calcium excretion showed a decrease in the oxalic acid and disodium oxalate groups, while urinary magnesium or phosphorus excretion did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: The upper gastrointestinal tract seems to be the major site of oxalic acid absorption and only free oxalate is absorbed irrespective of whether it is the sodium salt or not. After binding to calcium in the gut, oxalic acid absorption seems to be inhibited in the presence of calcium and this means that calcium oxalate is poorly absorbed (at least in the upper gastrointestinal tract).

Administration, Oral↗

Dietary oxalate loads and renal oxalate handling.

PURPOSE: Dietary oxalate makes a significant contribution to urinary oxalate excretion and, thus, may have a role in calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. Studies have indicated that the ingestion of oxalate rich foods results in transient increases in plasma oxalate concentrations and urinary oxalate excretion. We examined changes in plasma and urinary oxalate following oral crystalline oxalate loading under controlled dietary conditions to further define the renal handling of oxalate by normal adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six normal adult subjects consumed controlled diets of known oxalate content for 1 week before ingesting loads of 0, 2, 4 and 8 mmol of oxalate. Urinary and plasma changes were measured to assess renal oxalate handling. Urinary excretion of proximal tubule derived enzymes and isoprostanes was monitored to assess for renal injury and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Time and dose dependent changes in plasma oxalate, urinary oxalate and in the clearance ratio of oxalate-to-creatinine were observed. A significant correlation (r=0.43, p <0.001) between the oxalate-to-creatinine clearance ratio and plasma oxalate levels was identified. No changes in urinary markers of oxidative stress or renal injury were observed following the 8 mmol oxalate load. CONCLUSIONS: Oxalate is rapidly absorbed and cleared by the kidney by filtration and secretion following an oral oxalate load. Renal oxalate secretion has a significant role in the renal handling of an oral oxalate load. There is no evidence of acute renal injury or oxidative stress with oral oxalate loads in these experimental conditions.

Adult↗

Influence of a high-oxalate diet on intestinal oxalate absorption.

Hyperoxaluria is a major risk factor for renal stones. In most cases, it is sustained by increased dietary loads. In healthy individuals with a normal Western diet, the majority of urinary oxalate is usually derived from endogenous metabolism. However, up to 50% may be derived from the diet. We were interested in the effect of a high-oxalate diet on oxalate absorption, not merely on the frequently studied increased oxalate excretion. In study I, 25 healthy volunteers were tested with the [13C2]oxalate absorption test once while following a low-oxalate (63 mg) and once while following a high-oxalate (600 mg) diet for 2 days each. In study II, four volunteers repeated study I, and afterwards continued with a high-oxalate diet (600 mg oxalate/day) for 6 weeks. In the last week, the [13C2]oxalate absorption test was repeated. After 4 weeks of individual normal diet, the oxalate absorption test with a high-oxalate diet was performed again. The results of study I show that the mean [13C2]oxalate absorption under low-oxalate diet was 7.9 +/- 4.0%. In the presence of oxalate-rich food, the percent absorption for the soluble labelled oxalate almost doubled (13.7 +/- 6.3%). The results of study II show that the mean [13C2]oxalate absorption of the four volunteers under low-oxalate diet was 7.3 +/- 1.4%. The absorption increased to 14.7+/-5.2% under 600 mg oxalate. After 6 weeks under a high-oxalate diet, the [13C2]oxalate absorption was significantly decreased (8.2 +/- 1.7%). After the wash-out phase, the absorption was again high (14.1 +/- 2.2%) under the 600 mg oxalate challenge.

Adult↗

Contribution of dietary oxalate to urinary oxalate excretion.

BACKGROUND: The amount of oxalate excreted in urine has a significant impact on calcium oxalate supersaturation and stone formation. Dietary oxalate is believed to make only a minor (10 to 20%) contribution to the amount of oxalate excreted in urine, but the validity of the experimental observations that support this conclusion can be questioned. An understanding of the actual contribution of dietary oxalate to urinary oxalate excretion is important, as it is potentially modifiable. METHODS: We varied the amount of dietary oxalate consumed by a group of adult individuals using formula diets and controlled, solid-food diets with a known oxalate content, determined by a recently developed analytical procedure. Controlled solid-food diets were consumed containing 10, 50, and 250 mg of oxalate/2500 kcal, as well as formula diets containing 0 and 180 mg oxalate/2500 kcal. Changes in the content of oxalate and other ions were assessed in 24-hour urine collections. RESULTS: Urinary oxalate excretion increased as dietary oxalate intake increased. With oxalate-containing diets, the mean contribution of dietary oxalate to urinary oxalate excretion ranged from 24.4 +/- 15.5% on the 10 mg/2500 kcal/day diet to 41.5 +/- 9.1% on the 250 mg/2500 kcal/day diet, much higher than previously estimated. When the calcium content of a diet containing 250 mg of oxalate was reduced from 1002 mg to 391 mg, urinary oxalate excretion increased by a mean of 28.2 +/- 4.8%, and the mean dietary contribution increased to 52.6 +/- 8.6%. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that dietary oxalate makes a much greater contribution to urinary oxalate excretion than previously recognized, that dietary calcium influences the bioavailability of ingested oxalate, and that the absorption of dietary oxalate may be an important factor in calcium oxalate stone formation.

Adult↗

Oxalate binding proteins in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

The existence of several oxalate specific binding proteins have been demonstrated in human and rat kidney. These occur in both cortical and medullary cells and are distributed mostly in the subcellular organelles. About 1/3 of the total cellular oxalate binding was localised in the inner mitochondrial membrane while the rest was in the nucleus. The purified mitochondrial oxalate binding protein (62 kDa) was composed, with a higher molar proportion, of basic amino acids, and could accumulate oxalate on incorporation into liposomes. In the nucleus, histone H(1B) (27.5 kDa), nuclear membrane protein (68 kDa) and nuclear pore complex protein (205 kDa) were present with oxalate binding activities. In addition, a 45 kDa calcium oxalate binding protein was identified in most of the subcellular organelles. Both mitochondrial and nuclear oxalate binding proteins and calcium oxalate binding protein have shown the kinetic properties of specificity, saturability, pH and temperature dependency, energy of activation and inhibition by substrate analogues. All oxalate binding proteins were sensitive to the transport inhibitor 4'-4' diisothiocyano stilbene-2-2 disulphonic acid (DIDS), which is known to interact with the lysine moiety of the proteins. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals adsorbed oxalate binding proteins from human and rat kidney, and oxalate binding proteins isolated from human kidney stone matrix also exhibited the above kinetic properties. In experimental hyperoxaluria, all of the renal oxalate binding proteins showed enhanced oxalate binding activity with increased protein concentration. This enhanced oxalate binding activity was also attributed to increased lipid peroxidation, which correlated positively, and to decreased thiol status, which correlated negatively. A positive correlation was observed between the lipid peroxidation and both the oxalate binding activity of the in vitro peroxidised subcellular organelles and the purified protein. Similarly, in an in vivo hyperoxaluric condition, a negative correlation was observed between thiol content and both the oxalate binding activity of the peroxidised subcellular organelles and the purified protein. In the calcium oxalate crystal growth system, the oxalate binding proteins behaved either as promoters or inhibitors of the nucleation and aggregation of crystals. Following the peroxidation of the proteins, the degree of effect of the promoter protein was further stimulated while the degree of inhibition caused by the inhibitor protein further declined. Similar observations were duplicated with the proteins derived from hyperoxaluric rat kidney or kidney homogenate subjected to in vitro lipid peroxidation. The oxalate binding proteins were thought to modulate the crystallisation process in an hyperoxaluric condition similar to calcium specific binding protein modulators.

Animals↗

The oxalate level in ultrafiltrate fluid collected from a dialyzer is useful for estimating the plasma oxalate level in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients on chronic hemodialysis are likely to develop secondary hyperoxalemia. It is, however, difficult to measure plasma oxalate levels. To measure plasma oxalate levels, rapid plasma separation, deproteinization, and acidification are essential in preventing the formation of oxalate and the deposition of calcium oxalate within the test tube. The present study was undertaken to examine whether the oxalate level in dialyzer ultrafiltrate is potentially useful for estimating plasma oxalate levels. METHODS: In nine patients on chronic hemodialysis, the plasma, after deproteinization with a filter, and the ultrafiltrate from the dialyzer before hemodialysis were acidified to a pH level of less than 3, followed by the measurement of oxalate levels by ion chromatography. Also, oxalate levels were compared between acidified and non-acidified ultrafiltrates from the dialyzer. In the second part of the study, seven patients on chronic hemodialysis receiving erythropoietin therapy, in whom the ferritin level was more than 300 ng/ml and transferrin saturation was less than 25%, were intravenously administered ascorbic acid, 100 mg, three times a week, after each dialysis session to facilitate the utilization of stored iron. This treatment was continued until the serum ferritin level decreased to a level below 300 ng/ml (for 3 months, at a maximum). The oxalate level in the dialyzer ultrafiltrate after this treatment was compared with that before treatment. RESULTS: The mean +/- SE oxalate level in the dialyzer ultrafiltrate was 45 +/- 6 micromol/l, essentially equal to the plasma oxalate level (46 +/- 7 micromol/l). The plasma oxalate level had a significant positive correlation with the dialyzer ultrafiltrate oxalate level (plasma oxalate level = 0.99 x dialyzer ultrafiltrate oxalate level + 1.5; r = 0.95; P < 0.0001). The oxalate level in the acidified ultrafiltrate (45 +/- 6 micromol/l) did not differ significantly from that in the non-acidified ultrafiltrate (45 +/- 6 micromol/l). The mean +/- SE duration of ascorbic acid administration was 64 +/- 13 days. The hemoglobin level remained unchanged at 9.6 +/- 0.4 g/dl, whereas the serum iron level increased significantly, from 34 +/- 2 microg/dl to 43 +/- 4 microg/dl (P < 0.05), and serum ferritin levels decreased significantly, from 645 +/- 219 ng/ml to 231 +/- 30 ng/ml after the treatment (P < 0.05). The oxalate level in the acidified ultrafiltrate showed no significant change after ascorbic acid administration (31 +/- 8 micromol/l vs 47 +/- 7 micromol/l). CONCLUSIONS: In patients on chronic hemodialysis, the oxalate level in acidified ultrafiltrate from the dialyzer was found to be useful for estimating the plasma level of non-protein-bound oxalate. When administering ascorbic acid to hemodialysis patients, the plasma oxalate level can be monitored using this method.

Adult↗

Rapid Communication: relative effect of urinary calcium and oxalate on saturation of calcium oxalate.

BACKGROUND: The study compared the effect of urinary calcium with that of oxalate on urinary saturation [relative saturation ratio (RSR)] of calcium oxalate. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis was conducted on urinary stone risk analysis from 667 patients with predominantly calcium oxalate stones. Urinary RSR of calcium oxalate was individually calculated using Equil 2. A "theoretical" curve of the relationship between urinary RSR of calcium oxalate and concentration of calcium or oxalate was obtained at two stability constants for calcium oxalate complex, while varying calcium or oxalate and using group mean values for urinary constituents. RESULTS: At the stability constant of 7.07 x 10(3), the increase in RSR of calcium oxalate was less marked with calcium than with oxalate. However, at the stability constant of 2.746 x 10(3) from the Equil 2 that is considered the "gold standard," calcium and oxalate were equally effective in increasing RSR of calcium oxalate. The above theoretical curves (relating RSR with calcium or oxalate) were closely approximated by the actual curves constructed with data from individual urine samples. Urinary saturation of calcium oxalate was equally dependent on urinary concentrations of calcium and oxalate (r= 0.75 unadjusted and 0.57 adjusted for variables, and P < 0.0001 for calcium; r= 0.73 unadjusted and 0.60 adjusted, P <0.0001 for oxalate). CONCLUSION: Among calcium oxalate stone-formers, urinary calcium is equally effective as urinary oxalate in increasing RSR of calcium oxalate.

Adult↗