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

Abstract

<i>Purpose</i>. To use in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate <i>Glechoma longituba</i> extract to provide scientific evidence for this extract's antiurolithic activity. <i>Materials and Methods</i>. 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 <i>Glechoma longituba</i>. Multiple urolithiasis-related biochemical parameters were evaluated in urine and serum. Kidneys were harvested for histological examination and the assessment of crystal deposits. <i>Results</i>. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that treatment with <i>Glechoma longituba</i> extract significantly decreased calcium oxalate- (CaOx-) induced OPN expression, KIM-1 expression, and OS compared with the positive control group (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Additionally, in vivo rats that received <i>Glechoma longituba</i> extract exhibited significantly decreased CaOx deposits and pathological alterations (<i>P</i> < 0.05) compared with urolithic rats. Significantly lower levels of oxalate, creatinine, and urea and increased citrate levels were observed among rats that received <i>Glechoma longituba</i> (<i>P</i> < 0.05) compared with urolithic rats. <i>Conclusion</i>. <i>Glechoma longituba</i> 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.