World J Urol. 2026 Jul 26;44(1):519. doi: 10.1007/s00345-026-06636-2.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and the risk of kidney stone formation has not been fully explored in the current literature. Although an association between the TyG index, associated indices, and kidney stone formation has been reported, this link remains unconfirmed. Clarifying this relationship is crucial for both individual health and public health decision-making. Additionally, the TyG index and its related indices are gaining recognition for their emerging utility as valuable biomarkers in epidemiological studies of kidney stones.
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this research is to assess the correlation between the TyG index, associated indices, and the prevalence of kidney stones. Furthermore, we seek to investigate the potential broader implications of this association for public health policy and clinical practice.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a representative sample of 12,159 participants from the US population. For data analysis, logistic regression combined with smooth curve fitting techniques was employed to precisely evaluate the relationship between the TyG index and kidney stone prevalence. The predictive capability of TyG and its derived indices for kidney stone risk was comprehensively assessed using AUC, NRI, and IDI. To examine the robustness of our findings under different assumptions, we conducted a sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of kidney stone disease was 9.9%, comprising 54.84% of males and 45.16% of females. Compared with the group without a history of kidney stones, the group with a history of kidney stones exhibited significantly elevated triglyceride-glucose indices and related indicators. In the fully adjusted model, compared with the first tertile (T1) group, the risk of developing kidney stones increased in the third tertile (T3) group, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of TyG was 1.23 (0.99-1.54), triglyceride glucose-waist circumference (TyG-WC) was 1.93 (1.55-2.41), triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) was 1.87 (1.51-2.31), triglyceride glucose-waist to height ratio (TyG-WHtR) was 1.66 (1.31-2.11), triglyceride glucose-weight-adjusted waist index (TyG-WWI) was 1.57 (1.23-2.00), and triglyceride glucose-a body shape index (TyG -ABSI) was 1.29 (1.04-1.60) respectively. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis indicated that kidney stones’ risk increased with rising TyG and its derived indices. Subsequent subgroup analyses revealed no significant interactions in most subgroups (all P > 0.05). Results from the three sensitivity analyses aligned with those of the primary analysis, reinforcing its robustness.
CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation revealed that TyG and its derived indices had a significant link to the prevalence of kidney stones in the US adult population. Future research could involve designing and conducting longitudinal or cohort studies to validate further associations and possibilities.
PMID:42503069 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-026-06636-2
