The potential role of alkaline diets in prevention of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation

Abstract

Formation of kidney stones is considered a major global problem. Diet plays an important role in the management of kidney stone formation. The main goal of the present research was to evaluate the protective role of fruit and vegetable mixtures as models of an alkaline diet on formation of kidney stones in rats and to conduct molecular docking study. The chemical compositions, phenolic compound profile, β-carotene content, vitamin C and antioxidant activity of both mixtures were assessed. Fruit (−42.419 ) and vegetable (−11.13) mixtures recorded a negative potential renal acid load in the presence of macro-/micro-nutrients, β-carotene and phenolic compounds; chlorogenic acid was the major content in both mixtures. Both mixtures exhibited high antioxidant activity. Molecular docking study proved that rutin displayed the highest binding affinities for glycolate oxidase (−11.8 kcal mol⁻¹) and lactate dehydrogenase (−10.1 kcal mol⁻¹). The kidney stone model in rats exhibited metabolic acidosis in the urinary profile through reduction of citrate; Ca, Mg and K excretion and elevation of oxalate, creatinine, creatinine clearance, uric acid, urea and protein. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in plasma Ca, Mg and K levels, while liver and kidney function parameters improved significantly. Fruit and vegetable mixtures as models of an alkaline diet proved improvement in all the parameters. Histopathological examination of kidney sections of the kidney stone model showed crystal deposition, inflammation, and severe necrosis. Kidney sections of alkaline diet models indicated mild and moderate changes. Conclusion: The results of this study proved that both alkaline diet models were effective in protecting against kidney stone formation in vivo and in molecular docking studies.