Calcium oxalate (CaOx)

Calcium oxalate is an inorganic salt that serves as the primary constituent of approximately 80% of all kidney stones (StatPearls, 2023). It is formed when calcium ions bind with oxalate ions in the urine, a process driven by supersaturation and often exacerbated by low urine volume or metabolic imbalances (NIH, 2023). While calcium oxalate itself is not a biological target like a receptor or enzyme, it is a critical pathological byproduct and clinical marker for diseases such as Primary Hyperoxaluria and enteric hyperoxaluria (PubChem, 2024). Therapeutic interventions do not typically bind to the crystal itself but instead focus on preventing its formation by increasing solubility with citrate, reducing urinary calcium with thiazides, or using RNA interference to target upstream hepatic enzymes like glycolate oxidase to lower oxalate production (NEJM, 2021). Persistent elevation of urinary calcium oxalate can lead to nephrocalcinosis and end-stage renal disease due to the mechanical and inflammatory damage caused by crystal deposition in renal tissues (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Calcium ethanedioateWhewelliteWeddelliteUrinary oxalateOxalic acid calcium salt

Reduction of urinary supersaturation, inhibition of crystal nucleation and aggregation, and suppression of hepatic oxalate production via RNA interference.