Changing concepts in the aetiology of renal stones.
In the past two decades an increasing number of nephrolithiasis-related urinary proteins have been identified. This paper focuses on two of them, namely prothrombin fragment 1 and bikunin, members of the prothrombin and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor families of proteins, respectively. Besides their role as inhibitors of crystallization, these proteins are also involved in inflammation-mediated tissue repair. This is the basis for the concept that the response of renal tissue to injury might play an important role in the aetiology of kidney stones.
Verkoelen
C F
CF
Department of Urology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Josephine Nefkens Institute, The Netherlands. verkoelen@uro.fgg.eur.nl
Schepers
M S
MS
D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D011516:Prothrombin / Q000502:physiology; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000502:physiology
D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D011516:Prothrombin