Effects of potassium-magnesium citrate supplementation on cytosolic ATP citrate lyase and mitochondrial aconitase activity in leukocytes: A window on renal citrate metabolism

Background: An increase in urinary citrate excretion is associated with a decrease in activity of renal cortical cytosolic ATP citrate lyase (ACL) and mitochondrial aconitase (m‐aconitase). Because potassium‐magnesium citrate causes an increase in urinary citrate excretion, we decided to assess its effects on ACL and m‐aconitase in the leukocytes of renal stone patients. Methods: Twenty male renal stone patients were supplemented with potassium‐magnesium citrate twice daily (i.e. 42 mEq potassium, 21 mEq magnesium, and 63 mEq citrate per day) for a period of 1 month. Two 24‐h urine and one 15‐mL heparinized blood samples were collected from each patient before and after supplementation. Urine samples were analyzed for relevant biochemical compositions. Leukocytes were separated from blood samples by centrifugation and assayed for ACL and m‐aconitase activity. Results: Supplementation with potassium‐magnesium citrate significantly increased urinary pH (P