Current Perspectives on Urolithiasis: Etiology, Clinical Presentation, Therapeutic Advances & Anti-Urolithiatic Evaluation Methods

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a prevalent urinary tract disorder marked by the formation of stones in the kidneys or other parts of the urinary system. Its incidence is rising worldwide due to lifestyle changes, dietary habits, climatic factors and metabolic abnormalities. Kidney stones are seen about twice as often in men compared to women. Stone formation is a multifactorial process involving urinary supersaturation, crystal nucleation, growth, aggregation and retention within renal tissues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology, epidemiology, types of stones and mechanism of stone formation, diagnosis and current alternative treatment approaches for Urolithiasis such as surgical interventions, pharmacotherapy and phytotherapy, in-vivo and in-vitro evaluation models of urolithiasis. Various dietary and lifestyle modifications have potential to prevent urolithiasis and recurrences. The diagnostic methods and preventive approaches along with complete removal of stones will improve the management of urolithiasis. In vitro and in vivo evaluation methods for urolithiasis help researchers better understand stone formation and support the development of effective antiurolithiatic compounds.