A Spatial Distribution Analysis on the Deposition Mechanism Complexity of the Organic Material of Kidney Stone

Kidney stones in the urinary system are formed from complex minerals that can interfere with the function of the kidney. This formation occurs gradually and can be observed from the appearance of the kidney stones cross-section which are cut along its longitudinal axis resembling a tree cambium. A deeper study on the composition of these layers will provide etiological and pathophysiological information on the mechanism of the formation and development of kidney stones. In addition, an accurate analysis on the composition of the kidney stone can provide a scientific basis to determine the choice of medical treatment and efforts to prevent from forming of kidney stones in humans.

This study aimed to analyze the organic material that makes up kidney stones in each layer.

In this analytical study, the components and morphological properties of five kidney stones in each layer were characterized using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) and Scanning Elecron Microscope-Element Distribution Analysis (SEM-EDS).

FTIR-ATR displayed the typical absorption peaks for each stone constituent component. The components of each layer showed the same peak value for each absorption peak which consisted of calcium oxalate monohydrate, struvite, ammonium ion calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate monohydrate-calcium phosphate and uric acid. Meanwhile, the difference in the percentage and composition of the elements in each stone can be observed by SEM-EDS.

From this study, it can be concluded that each layer of the kidney stones has a different percentage and composition of elements.