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Oxalate-degrading microorganisms or oxalate-degrading enzymes: which is the future therapy for enzymatic dissolution of calcium-oxalate uroliths in recurrent stone disease?

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Abstract

Renal urolithiasis is a pathological condition common to a multitude of genetic, physiological and nutritional disorders, ranging from general hyperoxaluria to obesity. The concept of quickly dissolving renal uroliths via chemolysis, especially calcium-oxalate kidney stones, has long been a clinical goal, but yet to be achieved. Over the past 25 years, there has been a serious effort to examine the prospects of using plant and microbial oxalate-degrading enzymes known to catabolize oxalic acid and oxalate salts. While evidence is emerging that bacterial probiotics can reduce recurrent calcium-oxalate kidney stone disease by lowering systemic hyperoxaluria, the possible use of free oxalate-degrading enzyme therapy remains a challenge with several hurdles to overcome before reaching clinical practice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, P.O Box 100125, VAB, Bldg 1017, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA

    Ammon B. Peck & Cuong Q. Nguyen

  2. Department of Urology, University of Florida College of Medicine, P.O. Box 100247, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA

    Benjamin K. Canales

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  1. Ammon B. Peck
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Correspondence to Ammon B. Peck.

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Peck, A.B., Canales, B.K. & Nguyen, C.Q. Oxalate-degrading microorganisms or oxalate-degrading enzymes: which is the future therapy for enzymatic dissolution of calcium-oxalate uroliths in recurrent stone disease?. Urolithiasis 44, 45–50 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00240-015-0845-6

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