Zinc, copper and oxalocalcic urolithiasis.

The possible effects of Zn and Cu in oxalocalcic urolithiasis were investigated. The formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the presence of Zn and Cu demonstrated that their morphology is clearly affected by these ions. Thus, when such ions were present in a number of higher concentrations, 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 concentration 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 concentration. The mentioned differences disappeared when serum levels were considered. These obtained results have been comparatively evaluated with those obtained by other authors. When considering all the commented aspects, it is concluded that no important direct action of zinc and copper on oxalocalcic calculi genesis takes place.