Obesity and Endogenous Oxalate Synthesis

In this study the investigators propose to measure the excretion of urinary oxalate on a fixed diet with controlled amounts of oxalate, in individuals of varying body sizes without history of kidney stones. The 24-hr urinary oxalate excretion on such a low-oxalate normal calcium fixed diet is determined to be an appropriate surrogate for endogenous oxalate synthesis.

Screening phase. The study will enroll 60 individuals without history of kidney stones (30 males/30 females) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Screening will include blood complete metabolic profile, 24-hr urine specimens collected at home on self-selected diets and anthropometric measurements.

Dietary phase Participants will ingest a low-oxalate (<60 mg/day), normal calcium (1000 mg/day) fixed diet for 4 consecutive days, collect three 24-hr urines after 1 day of dietary equilibration and have a fasted blood draw on day 5.

Inclusion criteria

Age 19-70 yrs Body Mass Index > 18.5 kg/m2 Normal fasting serum electrolytes on comprehensive metabolic profile Willing to ingest fixed diets

Exclusion criteria

Chronic Kidney Disease, estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/mn/1.73m2 Primary hyperoxaluria Liver, endocrine or renal diseases or any other condition that may influence the absorption, transport or urinary excretion of ions, which will compromise the interpretation of results, including: Cystic fibrosis, Cystinuria, Uric acid stone former, Nephrotic syndrome, Sarcoidosis, Renal tubular acidosis, Primary hyperparathyroidism, Neurogenic bladder, Urinary diversion Pregnancy or breast-feeding Incompatible dietary requirements with the study, food allergies or intolerance to any of the foods in study menus Active malignancy or treatment for malignancy within 12 months prior to screening Utilization of immunosuppressive medication Uncontrolled Hypertension or diabetes