Crystal Growth Inhibitors for the Prevention of l -Cystine Kidney Stones Through Molecular Design

Taking the Cystine Kidney stones that form from l -cystine are much less common than those forming from calcium oxalate monohydrate, but are more likely to cause chronic kidney disease. Rimer et al. (p. 337 ; see the cover; see the Perspective by Coe and Asplin ) designed two structural mimics for l -cystine. Atomic force microscopy showed that at low concentrations, the mimics could change the l -cystine crystal habit and inhibit overall crystal growth. These structural mimics may thus offer hope for treating cystinuria.