title: Lithogenesis: induction of renal calcifications by nanobacteria.
abstract: Nanobacteria have been isolated from kidney stones and it has been suggested that they may act as a nucleus for the initiation of the renal stones. In the present study, we examine their role in biocrystallization and their in vivo effects on kidney pathology. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) assay was carried out in the presence of nanobacteria to study biocrystallization. Wistar rats were given an intravenous injection of nanobacteria and the kidneys were examined for pathological changes. The COM assay showed accelerated biocrystallization of (14)C-oxalate in the presence of nanobacteria, indicating them to be efficient candidates for biomineralization. Histopathological studies revealed bacteria induced renal tubular calcifications and various manifestations of infection. Our studies confirm that nanobacteria may be involved in the pathogenesis of renal tubular calcification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 160012, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Farooq A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Shiekh
authors.forename: Madhu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khullar
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D002129:Calcium Oxalate / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053758:Nanoparticles; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D002129:Calcium Oxalate