Investigating the link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and kidney stone risk
Official title: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Endogenous Oxalate Synthesis
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11042802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease might raise the chances of getting kidney stones, and it’s for people with this liver condition who can help by sharing some samples for research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $111,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DK139235-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and may also be at risk for kidney stones.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those who do not have a history of kidney stones may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may increase the risk of developing kidney stones through the synthesis of oxalate in the body. It focuses on understanding the metabolic processes involved, particularly how ascorbic acid and glyoxylate contribute to oxalate production. By examining liver biopsies and urine samples from affected individuals, the study aims to identify potential biomarkers and mechanisms that link NAFLD with kidney stone formation. Patients may be asked to provide samples and participate in assessments to help clarify these relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for kidney stones in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a connection between metabolic disorders and kidney stone risk, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wood, Kyle D — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Wood, Kyle D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Researchers are looking at whether changes in the TET1 gene and DNA 'tagging' (methylation) play a role in adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
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Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
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Glutamine and T cells in fatty liver disease
A study explores how liver glutamine levels affect inflammatory CD4+ T cells in fatty liver disease to find potential new ways to reduce liver inflammation.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.