Human Studies

We are currently enrolling into a study evaluating the influence of obesity on endogenous oxalate synthesis in non-kidney stone forming adults as a prelude to future studies that will be conducted in calcium oxalate kidney stone formers. The human phenotype is being defined through the use of carefully controlled diets, administration of 13C labeled oxalate precursors, assessments of insulin resistance, body morphometric indices and measurements of visceral fat content and distribution, and markers of oxidative stress. In addition, the influence of obesity on vitamin C conversion to oxalate is being assessed based on its known contribution to the urinary oxalate pool and the lower serum levels of vitamin C in obese subjects.

Animal Studies

A mouse model is being utilized to define changes in hepatic synthesis of oxalate associated with obesity which will permit analysis of changes in key enzyme activity involved in oxalate synthesis. Visceral fat content will also be assessed.

There is a definite paucity of information regarding the influence of systemic conditions such as obesity on the production of oxalate. Hence, the proposed investigations would advance urological research and have a profound impact on the benign urological disease research community. This project will advance urological research by providing more knowledge regarding an important factor contributing to kidney stone formation in an at risk population, those with obesity. Alabama is a state where both conditions are common, being a part of both the “obesity and stone belts” of the United States. Thus, this research has definite public health relevance and significance, especially for the Southeastern part of the United States.