As a common urological disease, the formation of urinary tract stones involves multiple factors, including genetics, the environment, dietary habits, and bacterial species (e.g., Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli). Previous studies have demonstrated that P. mirabilis primarily contributes to infectious urinary calculus formation by producing urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, thereby altering the urinary pH and promoting crystal formation and growth. In contrast, calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones are the main type of kidney stones, and the most common bacteria in CaOx stones are E. coli. Intriguingly, E. coli can also facilitate stone formation via flagellin and other virulence factors, which induce renal epithelial cell injury and increase crystal adhesion and aggregation. These bacteria play complex and multidimensional roles in the formation of urinary tract stones, necessitating further research to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. Here, we summarise the roles of common urinary tract bacteria, particularly P. mirabilis and E. coli, in forming urinary tract stones, aiming to enhance our understanding of urolithiasis exploration in the future.
Biochemical pharmacology. 2025 Apr 22 [Epub ahead of print]
Huifang Li, Xiaoyan Xue, Guangxing Meng, Chengwu He, Lingfei Tong, Yongchang Lai
Department of Pharmaceutical Administration, School of Medical Business, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory of Pharmacovigilance Technology Research and Evaluation, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China. Electronic address: ., Department of Pharmacy, Ganzhou People's Hospital, No. 16 of Meiguan Avenue, Zhanggong District, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province 341099, China., Department of Pharmaceutical Administration, School of Medical Business, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory of Pharmacovigilance Technology Research and Evaluation, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China., Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 3025 of Shennan Middle Road, Futian Street, Futian District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province 518033, China. Electronic address: ., Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, No. 152 Patriotism Road, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province 330006, China. Electronic address: ., Department of Pharmaceutical Administration, School of Medical Business, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory of Pharmacovigilance Technology Research and Evaluation, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China. Electronic address: .