The formation of kidney stones is associated with pathologic calcification, a process in which organs and blood vessels become clogged with calcium deposits that can damage major organs like the heart and kidneys.

But little is known why calcium deposits build-up.

Mayo Clinic researchers were able to successfully isolate nanoparticles from human kidney stones in cell cultures and have isolated proteins, RNA and DNA that appear to be associated with nanoparticles.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that links calcification to the presence of nanosized particles, particles so small that some scientists question whether a nanoparticle can live and if so, play a viable role in the development of kidney stones.

Results of the said study are significant because those will solve the mystery of whether nanoparticles are viable living forms that can lead to kidney stones.

The findings have been reported in the December issue of the Journal of Investigative Medicine.

News and Photo Source: Mayo Clinic

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