Ethylene Glycol Induced Hyperoxaluria Increases Circulating Endothelial Cells in Peripheral Blood: A Possible Link of Urolithiasis to Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the role of hyperoxaluria on endothelial dysfunction by using Circulating Endothelial Cells (CECs). A total of 24 Sprague Dowley rats have been included into study. Group IA, B and C (n=6 in each): Hyperoxaluria-induced group; Group II (n=6): Control group. Rats were euthanized after collection of 24-hour urine samples for the analysis of oxalate excretion either at 24 th hour (group A), 14 th day (group B) or 28 th day (group C) and blood samples were collected for the analysis of CECs. Rats in control group were euthanized after collecting 24-hour urine samples. CECs were determined via multicolor flow cytometric method with the help of rat anti-CD 146-PE antibodies together with CD31, CD45 and CD34 monoclonal antibodies. Compared to controls, the amount of CECs was found to be higher in hyperoxaluric group. Highest levels were achieved at day 14 (1.60±0.27, 1.93±0.42, and 1.20±0.20, 24-hour, 14-day and 28-day samples, respectively). The amount of CECs correlated positively with urinary oxalate excretion (p=0.002, r=0.679). Ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria causes systemic endothelial dysfunction. This may contribute to the pathogenesis of increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in urolithiasis.