Accelerated Attenuation of Pre-formed Cholesterol Gallstones by Dietary Tender Cluster Beans (<i>Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</i>) in Mice

Abstract

Dietary soluble fibre-rich tender cluster beans (<em>Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</em>) (CB) is previously shown to reduce the susceptibility for cholesterol gallstone (CGS) formation in experimental mice. The present study evaluated if dietary CB could also accelerate dissolution of pre-formed CGS in mice. The possible additive influence of dietary fibre-rich CB and sulfur compounds-rich garlic in dissolving CGS was also evaluated. CGS was induced with a high-cholesterol diet for ten weeks. CB (10%) and garlic (1%) were included individually and in combination in the diet of gallstoneinduced mice for another ten weeks. CB, garlic, and CB+garlic reduced the preestablished CGS by 61, 50, and 72%, respectively, in 10 weeks as compared to 27% regression observed with the control diet. There was a reduction in cholesterol saturation index and ratios of cholesterol: bile acid and cholesterol: phospholipid in the bile, facilitating the desaturation of cholesterol. mRNA expression of CYP7A was up-regulated in CB-fed animals. CB+garlic produced a higher up-regulation of mRNA expression of CYP7A and CYP27. These results corroborate with the observed increase in the bile acid pool as a result of these dietary interventions. Acceleration of the regression of preformed CGS is complimentary to the previously reported CGSpreventive influence of dietary CB.