# Steroid hormones and nephrolithiasis: regulation of urine components metabolism and inflammation

## TL;DR

This paper explores how steroid hormones influence kidney stone formation, explaining gender differences in risk and suggesting new treatment approaches.

## Contribution

It systematically demonstrates that steroid hormones are key regulators of gender differences in nephrolithiasis.

## Key findings

- Steroid hormones modulate calcium, oxalate, and phosphate metabolism related to kidney stones.
- They influence the renal inflammatory microenvironment linked to stone formation.
- The paper highlights potential mechanisms and target sites for steroid hormone therapy in nephrolithiasis.

## Abstract

The global incidence of nephrolithiasis has increased significantly in recent decades. The prevalence remains higher in males than females, the exact mechanisms responsible for this gender-based disparity in nephrolithiasis risk remain incompletely understood. Although dietary and lifestyle factors contribute to this difference, they do not entirely account for the observed variation. Emerging evidence suggests that steroid hormones may play a pivotal role in modulating renal stone formation through their influence on calcium, oxalate, and phosphate metabolism, as well as regulating the renal inflammatory microenvironment. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the interplay between steroid hormones and nephrolithiasis pathogenesis, providing a theoretical framework for understanding gender-specific susceptibility and highlighting potential avenues for tailored preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Systematically demonstrating that steroid hormones are key regulators of gender differences in nephrolithiasis fills a research gap where dietary/lifestyle factors alone cannot fully explain these disparities.

Provides a comprehensive framework for the effects of steroid hormones on urine components (oxalate, phosphate, calcium) and inflammation associated with nephrolithiasis.

Provides the target sites and potential mechanisms by which steroid hormones influence nephrolithiasis.

Proposes clinical translation directions for steroid hormones therapy in nephrolithiasis.

It points out the existing controversies regarding the regulatory mechanisms of steroid hormones on nephrolithiasis and offers reasonable speculations on these controversies.