Oxalate stimulates IL-6 production in HK-2 cells, a line of human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells

This study provides the first direct evidence that oxalate up-regulates the expression and secretion of IL-6 in renal epithelial cells. The increased IL-6 expression and secretion by renal epithelial cells may play a critical role in the progression of urolithiasis in hyperoxaluric conditions.