User:Una Smith/Crystal growth inhibitor

A crystal growth inhibitor is a chemical agent that inhibits biocrystallization. These inhibitors have potential applications in medicine, in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as gout and lithiasis (kidney stones, bladder stones). Crystal growth inhibitors that are the subject of research to develop applications include chondroitin sulfate and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) more generally, nephrocalcins, mucine.

In an area of Thailand where kidney stones are very common, a small study found significant differences in glycosaminoglycans and nephrocalcins between people with stones and normal controls.


 * Mucine


 * Pentosan polysulfate


 * Chondroitin sulfate inhibits crystal growth alone and in combination with GAGs.

See also:

Crystal growth promoters
In vitro, growth of uric acid crystals in synovial fluid is promoted by gamma globulin.