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Abstract The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of Cu and Zn on biochemical and molecular characteristics of CaOx stones. In our study, plasma and urine concentrations of Cu and Zn in 30 calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones patients and 20 controls were determined by a buck scientific atomic absorption spectrometry. Urinary levels of citric acid and oxalate were measured by commercial spectrophotometric kits. Blood levels of glutathione reduced (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were determined as markers of antioxidant activity, while blood lipid peroxidation (MDA) and urine level of nitric oxide (NO) were used to assess oxidative stress. Gene expression of MAPk pathway (ERK, P38 and JNK) were estimated. The plasma and urine levels of Cu were significantly increased in the patient group compared to those of controls, while the levels of Zn were decreased. Excessive urinary excretion of citric acid and oxalate were found among CaOx stone patients. The GSH and CAT concentration were significantly reduced in CaOx stones patients compared to healthy group. The MDA and NO concentration in plasma were significantly increased in CaOx stones patients compared to control group. The expressions of genes were significantly increased in CaOx stones patients. |