ZINC, COPPER AND OXALOCALCIC UROLITHIASIS

The possible effects of Zn and Cu in oxalocalcic urolithiasis were inv estigated. The formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the presence o f Zn and Cu demonstrated that their morpholoy is clearly affected by t hese ions. Thus, when such ions were present in a number of higher con centrations, a notable increase in the primary aggregation was clearly detected. On the other hand, Zn and Cu urinary levels were determined in groups of stone-formers and healthy people. Zinc urinary concentra tion was significantly lower for lithiasic than for healthy people and the copper urinary concentration was lower for lithiasic than healthy males, but both female groups had a similar copper urinary concentrat ion. The mentioned differences disappeared when serum levels were cons idered. These obtained results have been comparatively evaluated with those obtained by other authors. When considering all the commented as pects, it is concluded that no important direct action of zinc and cop per on oxalocalcic calculi genesis takes place.