Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Metabolic changes in kidney stone disease
Zhenzhen Xu1, Xiangyang Yao1, Chen Duan2
1Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Kidney stone disease (KSD) is one of the earliest medical diseases known, but the mechanism of its formation and metabolic changes remain unclear. The formation of kidney stones is a extensive and complicated process, which is regulated by metabolic changes in various substances. In this manuscript, we summarized the progress of research on metabolic changes in kidney stone disease and discuss the valuable role of some new potential targets. We reviewed the influence of metabolism of some common substances on stone formation, such as the regulation of oxalate, the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), macrophage polarization, the levels of hormones, and the alternation of other substances. New insights into changes in substance metabolism changes in kidney stone disease, as well as emerging research techniques, will provide new directions in the treatment of stones. Reviewing the great progress that has been made in this field will help to improve the understanding by urologists, nephrologists, and health care providers of the metabolic changes in kidney stone disease, and contribute to explore new metabolic targets for clinical therapy.
Insights
Kidney stone disease (KSD) involves complex metabolic changes affecting substance regulation. Understanding these metabolic shifts offers new therapeutic targets for treating kidney stones.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology and Metabolic Research
Background:
- Kidney stone disease (KSD) is ancient, yet its formation mechanisms and associated metabolic alterations are not fully understood.
- Stone formation is a complex process influenced by metabolic changes in various bodily substances.
Approach:
- This review summarizes current research on metabolic changes in KSD.
- It examines the role of common substances like oxalate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hormones in stone formation.
- Emerging research techniques and new potential targets are discussed.
Key Points:
- Metabolic regulation of oxalate, ROS release, and macrophage polarization are key factors in KSD.
- Hormonal imbalances and alterations in other substances also contribute significantly to stone development.
- New insights highlight the importance of substance metabolism in KSD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding metabolic changes in KSD provide novel therapeutic avenues.
- This review aims to enhance clinician understanding of KSD's metabolic underpinnings.
- Exploring new metabolic targets is crucial for advancing clinical therapy for kidney stones.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

