Arginine as a Significant Regulator of Supersaturation in Calcium Oxalate Lithiasis: the Physiological Evidence

Background: At present, the possible effect of arginine as a natural regulator of calcium oxalate (CaOX) supersaturation and crystallization in human urine has been analyzed. Methods: Two types of experiments have been discussed: clinical laboratory analysis on the urine excretion of arginine (Arg) in patients with CaOX lithiasis and detailed measurements of the kinetics of the dissolution of CaOX calculi in artificial urine, containing various concentrations of Arg. Results: A detailed analysis showed that 80% of stone formers (SFs) eliminated pathological values: 30% of patients had lower plasma levels compared to controls and about 50% of SFs showed higher concentration. Urine concentrations in these two groups were not reported. Conclusions: The  in vitro analytical measurements demonstrate even a possibility to dissolve CaOX stones in human urine, in which increased concentration of Arg has been established. Discussions have arisen to use increased concentration of Arg in urine both as a solubilizator of CaOX stones in humans and on the purpose of a prolonged metaphylactic treatment. World J Nephrol Urol. 2015;4(1):173-177 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/wjnu199w