The Impact of Potassium Citrate on the Kidney Stones Treatment in Rat

Introduction: Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common prevalent diseases in the human population, with a high recurrence rate. Although the prophylaxis effect of potassium citrate in renal calculi is well known, its therapeutic effect of melting kidney stones is not well-understood. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of potassium citrate on rats with nephrolithiasis. Methods: Thirty, 4 to 6-week-old, male and female Wistar rats weighing 200±11 g were studied. After a one-week acclimatization period, the rats were randomly assigned into three groups using a computer-generated randomization list: Group A (control group), Group B (ethylene glycol receivers), Group C (treatment group) for four weeks. For further pathologic examinations of the urinary system, two rats, including a male and a female, were randomly selected from each group and were sacrificed. Their urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, was extracted for pathology and serologic examinations. Results: The ethylene glycol group demonstrated Bowman's capsule hemorrhage and glomeruli size decrement in microscopic examination compared to control subjects. Although the changes were present in the mice of simultaneous exposure to Potassium Citrate and ethylene glycol, their extent was much less in the treatment group. Conclusion: Although histopathologic studies suggested that potassium citrate may prevent rat ethylene glycol in stone formation, radiologic examinations were inconclusive.