GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS AND STRUVITE CALCULI

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are suspended in urine and are present on ti ssue surfaces in the urinary tract. Consequently, they have the potent ial to influence any pathological disorder in this environment, includ ing urinary tract infections by Proteus mirabilis and struvite (NH4MgP O4.6H2O) urolithiasis. Although GAGs, suspended in urine, may inhibit the formation of other types of calculus minerals, no such effect has been reported in struvite calculi. Nevertheless, GAGs are a major comp onent of the organic matrix of all types of urinary calculi. In contra st, there is evidence that the GAG layer on the bladder surface may ac t as a defence mechanism against infection by inhibiting bacterial adh esion. More studies are needed to elucidate fully the role of GAGs in urinary infections and struvite urolithiasis.