Document Type : Research Article
Author
IRAQI
Abstract
Urolithiasis is a common urinary disorder frequently associated with recurrent stone formation and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This case–control study aimed to evaluate serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), osteopontin (OPN), and cadmium (Cd) in patients with urolithiasis and UTIs to explore their potential as biomarkers. A total of 160 participants were recruited: 58 with urolithiasis, 60 with UTIs, and 42 healthy controls. Serum CA19-9, TLR4, and OPN were measured using ELISA, while cadmium levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Results showed significantly elevated CA19-9 in urolithiasis patients (8.92 ± 0.68) compared with UTIs (4.89 ± 0.43) and controls (4.36 ± 0.23). TLR4 was markedly higher in UTI patients (1.74 ± 0.15) than in urolithiasis (0.94 ± 0.21) and controls (0.88 ± 0.14), while OPN was highest in controls (1.34 ± 0.12) and lowest in urolithiasis (0.93 ± 0.12). Cadmium concentrations were significantly elevated in urolithiasis patients (2.04 ± 0.22) compared with controls (0.88 ± 0.12). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between TLR4 and cadmium and negative correlations of OPN with both inflammatory and toxic markers. These findings suggest that altered levels of CA19-9, TLR4, OPN, and cadmium may be associated with urolithiasis and UTIs. However, results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited sample size, single-center design, and potential confounding factors such as diet, smoking, and environmental exposure. Larger multicenter studies are recommended to validate these observations and clarify underlying mechanisms.
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