Kidney stone disease (KSD) causes significant morbidity and financial burden on public health. The lifetime prevalence of KSD is increasing, with data from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2007?2010) reporting an 8.8% population prevalence-a substantial increase from the 5.2% prevalence reported in a prior NHANES cohort . The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes, two well established risk factors for KSD, together with population growth is projected to contribute an additional $1.24 billion/year in US treatment costs by 2030 2. In addition to obesity and diabetes a variety of systemic diseases, such as the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease are associated with KSD. Based on current thinking that pathological changes in metabolism play a key role in development of kidney stones; diet, as a primary determinant of an organism?s metabolism, is generally believed to be an important contributing factor to KSD. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the gut microbiome (GMB) is a modulating factor of diet-driven metabolism. Whilst acknowledging that diet (and its effect on metabolism) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of KSD, the overarching hypothesis to be tested in this proposal is that the gut microbiome (GMB) can influence the metabolic effects of diet resulting in KSD. Our preliminary data supports this hypothesis and motivates us to test the following two hypotheses in this proposal: 1) In Specific Aim 1 we will test the hypothesis that a distinct GMB is associated with KSD patients and non-stone formers (controls). Using the latest innovations in the extraction, amplification and next-gen sequencing of fecal flora, we will explore differences in the GMB between KSD patients and non-stone formers (controls). 2) In Specific Aim 2 we will test the hypothesis that while the GMB in kidney stone patients is a dynamic entity with day-to-day compositional variation, it will over time maintain a stable enterotype partition despite dietary modification. We will assess the variability of the GMB profile (both within and between patients) at various time points following adoption of dietary interventions in kidney stone patients. If our hypothesis is proven correct it could form the basis of a GMB screen to identify patients at risk of KSD and also support a strategy for treatment and prevention of KSD through modulation of an individual?s GMB.

Public Health Relevance

Relatively little is known about the role of the GMB in Kidney stone disease (KSD) and there is scant literature on the subject. The role of gut microbiota in diseases linked to the metabolic syndrome provides motivation to investigate the relationship between the microbiota and kidney stone disease. Our studies could demonstrate for the first time an association between the microbiome and KSD. This association could initiate studies into novel preventative strategies for KSD through modulation of a patient?s microbiome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DK108097-01A1
Application #
9182402
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-DKUS-G (55))
Program Officer
Kirkali, Ziya
Project Start
2016-08-18
Project End
2018-07-31
Budget Start
2016-08-18
Budget End
2017-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$250,500
Indirect Cost
$100,500
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Inc
Department
Type
DUNS #
079783367
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461