Saeed R. Khan PhD, FASN

Dr. Khan’s laboratory is involved in investigating pathogenesis of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis using in-vitro and in-vivo techniques. Their studies suggest that stone formation is a result of both renal and extra renal events.

High urinary oxalate and crystals lead to the development of oxidative stress in the kidneys, leading to localized inflammation and fibrosis followed by the formation of calcium phosphate plaques, the so-called Randall’s plaques (RP) inside the kidneys. The plaques grow by further mineralization of renal interstitial collagen fibers eventually reaching the renal papillary surface and becoming exposed to the pelvic urine. CaOx crystals deposit on the RPs and develop into CaOx stones.