PURPOSE: We studied the effect of polysaccharides on interactions between calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and cultured renal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were incubated with radiolabeled crystals in the presence of various concentrations of natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and semisynthetic polysaccharides (SSPs). RESULTS: While most GAGs were found to have relatively little effect, SSPs (SP54, G871 and G872) were potent inhibitors of crystal-cell association. Pretreatment of crystals, but not of cells, was similarly effective, suggesting polysaccharide-induced modification of crystal surface properties. CONCLUSIONS: This result further supports the idea that SSPs, and especially G872, are of potential interest for treatment of recurrent stone disease.
PURPOSE: We studied the effect of polysaccharides on interactions between calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and cultured renal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were incubated with radiolabeled crystals in the presence of various concentrations of natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and semisynthetic polysaccharides (SSPs). RESULTS: While most GAGs were found to have relatively little effect, SSPs (SP54, G871 and G872) were potent inhibitors of crystal-cell association. Pretreatment of crystals, but not of cells, was similarly effective, suggesting polysaccharide-induced modification of crystal surface properties. CONCLUSIONS: This result further supports the idea that SSPs, and especially G872, are of potential interest for treatment of recurrent stone disease.