An Explanation of the Underlying Mechanisms for the In Vitro and In Vivo Antiurolithic Activity of <i>Glechoma longituba</i>

Abstract

Purpose . To use in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate Glechoma longituba extract to provide scientific evidence for this extract’s antiurolithic activity. Materials and Methods . Potassium citrate was used as a positive control group. Oxidative stress (OS) markers and the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) were measured to assess the protective effects of Glechoma longituba . Multiple urolithiasis‐related biochemical parameters were evaluated in urine and serum. Kidneys were harvested for histological examination and the assessment of crystal deposits. Results . In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that treatment with Glechoma longituba extract significantly decreased calcium oxalate‐ (CaOx‐) induced OPN expression, KIM‐1 expression, and OS compared with the positive control group ( P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, in vivo rats that received Glechoma longituba extract exhibited significantly decreased CaOx deposits and pathological alterations ( P &lt; 0.05) compared with urolithic rats. Significantly lower levels of oxalate, creatinine, and urea and increased citrate levels were observed among rats that received Glechoma longituba ( P &lt; 0.05) compared with urolithic rats. Conclusion . Glechoma longituba has antiurolithic effects due to its possible combined effects of increasing antioxidant levels, decreasing urinary stone‐forming constituents and urolithiasis‐related protein expression, and elevating urinary citrate levels.