The preventive and therapeutic effect of potassium citrate combined estradiol on lithangiuria

Urinary calculus is a common disease. Potassium citrate is usually used to prevent lithangiuria. Urinary calculus formation is affected by sex hormone. This study investigated the preventive and therapeutic effect of potassium citrate combined estradiol on lithangiuria. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, control group, model group established by administration of 3% melamine (Mel), and potassium citrate combined estradiol group. The weight, 24 h urine volume, water intake, Mel level, Scr, BUN, UAlb, ratio of kidney and weight, and calculus formation rate were measured. TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels were detected by real-time PCR and ELISA. Rats from model group displayed reduced body weight, increased 24 h urine volume, water intake, Mel level, Scr, BUN, UAlb, ratio of kidney to body weight, but decreased urine potassium and urine citric acid compared with those parameters in control group (P < 0.05). TNF-α and IL-1β levels were significantly elevated in model group compared those in control group (P < 0.05). The rats in combination treatment group exhibited reduced calculus formation rate, 24 h urine volume and water intake, increased body weight, urine potassium, and urine citric acid, but declined levels of Mel, Scr, BUN, UAlb, TNF-α and IL-1β, and decreased ratio of kidney to weight as well as urinary calcium compared with those parameters in model group (P < 0.05). Potassium citrate combined estradiol treatment suppresses urinary calculus formation induced by Mel, inhibits TNF-α and IL-1β secretion, reduces urine calcium, as well as improves urine potassium and urine citric acid, leading to improved renal function.