Intracrystalline proteins and urolithiasis: a comparison of the protein content and ultrastructure of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate crystals

Abstract

Binding of osteopontin and prothrombin fragment 1 to calcium oxalate is dictated primarily by ambient calcium concentration. Each protein may inhibit urolithiasis by inhibiting crystallization of its preferred crystal habit, and by facilitating the intracellular disintegration and dissolution of crystals attached to and internalized by renal epithelial cells.