NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how citrate and oxalate levels affect kidney stones

Official title: Mechanisms of disordered citrate and oxalate excretion in nephrolithiasis

Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11081754 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how what we eat affects the levels of citrate and oxalate in the urine, which are important for preventing kidney stones, especially for people who are obese or have had gastric bypass surgery, to help create better ways to keep your kidneys healthy.

More Nephrolithiasis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$185,976
NIH project number5K23DK127252-04
Project IDNIH-11081754 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with obesity or those who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have issues with kidney stones or related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate the excretion of citrate and oxalate in the kidneys, which are crucial for preventing kidney stones. It focuses on two high-risk patient groups: those with obesity and individuals who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. By examining how diet influences urine citrate and oxalate levels, the study aims to develop better prevention strategies for kidney stones. The findings could lead to new dietary recommendations and treatments that improve kidney health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for kidney stones, reducing pain and healthcare costs for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dietary impacts on kidney stone formation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Prochaska, Megan L — University of Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Prochaska, Megan L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving kidney stone management in young patients

    This study is all about finding better ways to help kids and young adults under 21 who have kidney stones, by learning more about how these stones develop and how they feel after surgery, so we can create personalized treatment plans just for them.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11159844

  • Improving outcomes for children with kidney stones

    This study is all about helping kids with kidney stones by bringing together top children's hospitals to share ideas and resources, so we can find better ways to treat and manage this condition for healthier futures.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11159841

  • Improving kidney stone treatment for children

    This study is all about finding better ways to help kids with kidney stones feel better and get the right treatment, while also supporting new researchers who want to make a difference in this area.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11159839

  • Understanding how bacteria contribute to kidney stone formation

    This study is looking at how certain bacteria that form biofilms might help create kidney stones, which many people deal with, to find new ways to prevent and treat this common problem.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11081818

  • Understanding how calcium signaling affects kidney stone formation

    This study is looking at how calcium levels and acidity in the kidneys affect the formation of calcium-based kidney stones, with the hope of finding new ways to help people prevent these stones from forming.

    NIH research U.s. Dept/vets Affairs Medical Center · Washington, United States · NIH-11050052

  • Improving kidney stone management in young patients

    This study is all about finding better ways to help kids and young adults under 21 who have kidney stones, by learning more about how these stones develop and how they feel after surgery, so we can create tailored treatment plans just for them.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10953811

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.