A team of researchers led by scientists from UC San Francisco has discovered that zinc levels play a part in kidney stone formation and could represent a promising therapeutic target. Working with a fruit fly model as well as humans, they examined the relationship between zinc and the minerals that form kidney stones, such as calcium and oxalate. The scientists found zinc in stone specimens from humans as well as flies. They were able to reduce the formation of kidney stones in flies in three ways—by inhibiting zinc transport and by lowering zinc levels through diet and drugs.
Source:
Zinc in the Body May Contribute to Kidney Stones, ScienceDaily, June 1, 2015
A Drosophila Model Identifies a Critical Role for Zinc in Mineralization for Kidney Stone Disease, PLOS ONE, May 13, 2015