Composition and inhibitory properties of endogenous urinary GAGS are different in subjects from two race groups with different occurrence rates of kidney stones: Pilot studies provide unique evidence in support of an inhibitory role for this group of compounds.

Background: Calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stone disease is common in South African whites (W) but is rare in the black population (B). The possible role of endogenous urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) has not been previously investigated in this context.

Aim: To determine concentration, composition, structure and CaOx crystal-inhibiting properties of this group of compounds in ultrafiltered urine of healthy subjects from both groups.

Seeking consistency for the role of urinary macromolecules and glycosaminoglycans in calcium oxalate crystallization processes pertaining to the risk of renal stone formation using a multi-faceted basic science approach.

Background: The roles of urinary macromolecules (UMMs) in calcium oxalate (CaOx) renal stone formation have not been consistently established.

Aim: To unravel these roles using a multi-faceted, multi-technique approach employing a wide range of experimental variables on a rotational basis in strategically chosen combinations.

Methods: Endogenous urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were investigated in fractions obtained after ultrafiltration of pooled human urine (HU).