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Pak Center Research

Clinical research at the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research focuses on investigations of osteoporosis, kidney stones, kidney disease, and other disorders of mineral metabolism. These clinical research studies are unique and contribute to the general understanding of the biological and chemical processes involved in these diseases. Results from these clinical research studies could lead to improved prevention and treatment of kidney stones and osteoporosis in the future.

Our research studies encompass a wide degree of involvement, ranging from single visit studies for the collection of biological samples, week-long metabolic evaluations, and long-term outpatient evaluations for disorders of mineral metabolism.

Bones

  • Osteoporosis – Khashayar Sakhaee, M.D., Naim Maalouf, M.D.

  • Bone in Cancer – Naim Maalouf, M.D.

  • Chronic Kidney Disease – Metabolic Bone Disorder - Eleanor Lederer, M.D.

  • Post-fracture healing – Khashayar Sakhaee, M.D.

Kidney Stones

  • Uric Acid Stones – Khashayar Sakhaee, M.D., Orson Moe, M.D.

  • Prevention of Urinary Stones with Hydration – Naim Maalouf, M.D.

  • Calcium Phosphate Stones – Naim Maalouf, M.D.

  • Renal Tubular Acidosis – Orson Moe, M.D.

  • Calcium Oxalate Stones – Naim Maalouf, M.D., Khashayar Sakhaee, M.D.

  • Pathophysiology and Treatment of Hypocitraturia – Orson Moe, M.D., Eleanor Lederer, M.D.

  • Genetics of Kidney Stones – Orson Moe, M.D., Naim Maalouf, M.D.

  • Diagnostic Applications Using Urinary Extracellular Vesicles – Orson Moe, M.D.

Basic Research

Basic research in our Center encompasses a wide range of topics performed in fourteen laboratories. The main feature is that the work is highly complementary to the clinical research projects and special focus on preclinical pathophysiology of bone and renal epithelial pathobiology. Experimental systems include genetically manipulated rodent models, cultured cells, and single purified proteins using physiologic and biochemical methods. The salient feature is that all the projects are translational in nature with disease pathophysiology, diagnostics, and therapeutic goals. More detailed descriptions of individual projects can be found under our faculty’s lab websites within our faculty page.

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