Comprehensive biomarker profiling reveals distinct molecular signatures across stone types: a large-scale cross-sectional study in Southern China.

Abstract

Background: Stone diseases represent a significant global health burden affecting 10%-15% of the population worldwide. Despite advances in diagnostic imaging, current approaches often lack the ability to predict stone formation or differentiate between stone types at early stages.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 61,310 stone patients and 55,010 matched controls using 1:1 propensity score matching. Stone cases were categorized into five major groups and further subdivided by organ system. Comprehensive serum biomarker profiling was conducted using automated biochemistry analyzers.

Results: Urinary system stones constituted the largest proportion (80.97%), followed by biliary system stones (21.12%). The study revealed distinct biomarker signatures: elevated serum creatinine and cystatin C in uric acid stones; increased PSA and monocyte counts in prostatic calculi; elevated β2-microglobulin and total bilirubin in common bile duct stones; and increased basophils, ceruloplasmin, ferritin, immunoglobulin-A, and rheumatoid factor in gallstones.

Conclusion: This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of stone-specific clinical biomarker patterns derived from routine laboratory parameters, providing potential diagnostic markers for different stone types and suggesting stone-specific pathophysiological mechanisms.