Supplemental exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics synergistically amplifies calcium oxalate crystal-induced injury to renal tubular epithelium, accelerating the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the escalating issue of polystyrene microplastic pollution, microplastic particles have been detected in human urine. While calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are well-established mediators of renal stone formation, the role of microplastics, particularly polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), in promoting CaOx kidney stone formation remains unclear. This study aims to explore whether PS-NPs interact with CaOx crystals to enhance renal tubular epithelial cell injury and facilitate the formation of kidney stones.

Methods

Clinical CaOx kidney stone samples were analyzed using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), which detected microplastic components. In vitro, human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were exposed to calcium oxalate m

SUBMITTER: Su X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12937549 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature