Hippuric acid metabolism by Corynebacteriumglucuronolyticum-like bacteria promotes calcium oxalate crystallization.

Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum-like bacteria promote calcium oxalate kidney stone formation by degrading hippuric acid and enhancing crystal aggregation, with evidence from experimental models.

• Why it matters: Understanding microbial contributions to kidney stone formation is crucial as nephrolithiasis rates rise, yet the mechanisms behind microbial influence remain unclear, limiting targeted treatments.
• What they did: The study analyzed the urinary microbiome and conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments, revealing that these bacteria degrade hippuric acid via HA hydrolase and promote crystal nucleation and aggregation.
• The result: Findings show that inhibiting bacterial activity with dietary interventions like cranberry-derived products reduces stone formation, positioning C. glucuronolyticum-like bacteria and HA hydrolase as potential therapeutic targets.