Cholesterol Stones Research Articles

English

The aim of this study was to identify the microflora in the gallbladder of patients undergoing cholecystectomy for different types of gallstones and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates. Between January 2005 and December 2008, 136 samples of bile [cholesterol stones (CS)] and 175 pigment stones (PS) were collected from 213 women and 98 men, who were between 18-95 years (median age: 52.5±12.0) by laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy at the University Surgical Unit Duzce in Turkey. The bile samples were aerobically cultured to assess microflora and their antibiotic susceptibility. 210 (54%) of the 311 patients with gallstones had bacterial isolates; 78 isolates (37.2%) were from cholesterol stone-containing bile and 132 isolates (62.8%) from pigment stone-containing bile (P<0.01). The overall bacterial isolates from bile samples revealed Escherichia coli (E. coli) predominantly, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Enterococcus spp. In one sample, we found Candida lusitaniae (C. lusitaniae). None of the Gram negative strains were resistant to antibiotics but Gram positive strains were highly resistant to penicillins (100%). Looking at the microflora of the gallbladder and the susceptibility pattern of our isolates, we would suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis recommended for laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy for gallstones be reviewed and the role of  bacteribilia in the surgical management of cholelithiasis requires further study.   Key words: Microflora, bile culture, gallstones, cholecystectomy. &nbsp

Aquaporin-1 and 8 expression in the gallbladder mucosa might not be associated with the development of gallbladder stones in humans.

Cholecystolithiasis is a highly prevalent condition in the Western world. Gallbladder stone-related conditions represent the second most common gastrointestinal pathology. Cholesterol stones represent over 80% of gallstones. Cholesterol stones develop secondary to crystallization of bile cholesterol. Water resorption from gallbladder bile via aquaporin in the gallbladder mucosa might play a role in the development of cholesterol stones. This study investigated the expression of Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and Aquaporin-8 (AQP8) in the human gallbladder mucosa and their possible association with the formation of gallbladder stones. The expression of AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa was examined via immunohistochemical staining. The expression of both AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa of stone carriers (study group) was compared to that of nonstone carriers (control group). Eighty-four gallbladder specimens from 44 male (52·2%) and 40 female (47·6%) patients were analysed. The study group included 47 specimens from stone carriers, while 37 specimens from stone-free gallbladders were included in the control group. Immunostaining for both AQP1 and AQP8 was positive in 80 cases. AQP1 was expressed both over the apical and intercellular membrane, while AQP8 was expressed only over the apical membrane. A similar distribution was recorded in specimens from the cystic duct. Immunostaining with AQP1 was generally stronger in comparison with AQP8. No significant (P > 0·05) relationship was found between aquaporin expression and the presence or absence of gallbladder stones. AQP1 and AQP8 are both expressed in the gallbladder and cystic duct mucosa. However, their role in the development of gallbladder stones is still to be proven.

Differential diagnosis of gallstones by using hypericin as a fluorescent optical imaging agent.

To explore the feasibility of using hypericin as an optical imaging probe with affinity for cholesterol for differential fluorescent detection of human gallstones. Cholesterol, mixed and pigment stones from cholecystectomy patients were incubated with hypericin or solvent. After 72 h, the stones were analysed for fluorescence (365 nm) and treated with 2-propanol/dimethyl sulfoxide for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Rats with virtual gallbladder containing human cholesterol, mixed or pigment gallstones (VGHG) received 5 mg/kg hypericin or solvent and VGHG rats with cholesterol stones were given different hypericin doses (5-15 mg/kg). Twelve hours later, the stones were analysed at 365 nm. Biliary excretion and metabolites of hypericin were assessed in common bile duct (CBD) cannulated rats for 9 h using fluorospectrometry, HPLC and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Homogeneous high fluorescence was seen on cholesterol stones either pre-incubated with hypericin or extracted from VGHG rats receiving hypericin. Mixed stones showed a dotted fluorescent pattern, whereas pigment and solvent-treated ones lacked fluorescence. HPLC showed 7.68, 6.65 and 0.08 × 10(-3) M of cholesterol in extracts from cholesterol, mixed, and pigment gallstones, respectively. Hypericin accounted for 2.0, 0.5 and 0.2 × 10(-6) M in that order. On cholesterol stones from VGHG rats receiving different hypericin doses, a positive correlation was observed between dose and fluorescence. In the bile from CBD-cannulated rats, fluorescence represented 20% of the injected dose with two peaks in 9 h. HPLC analysis revealed that hypericin conjugates reached 60% of the peak area. By MALDI-TOF MS, hypericin-glucuronide was detected. This study proves the potential use of hypericin for differential fluorescent detection of human gallstones regarding their chemical composition.

Pediatric cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones unrelated to hematologic disorder.

Backgrounds/AimsGallstones are being increasingly diagnosed in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine characteristics of pediatric patients who underwent cholecystectomy because of symptomatic gallstone disease unrelated to hemolytic disorder.MethodsWe reviewed cases of pediatric patients (under 18 years old) who underwent cholecystectomy between May 2005 and December 2015.ResultsA total 20 pediatric patients (under 18 years old) underwent cholecystectomy during the study period. One patient was excluded because cholecystectomy was performed due to gall stones caused by hemolytic anemia. The 19 cases comprised 9 male (47.3%) and 10 female (52.7%) subjects. The mean age was 14.9 years (range, 5-18), and 66.7% of patients were older than 12 years of age. Mean body weight was 65.0 kg (range, 13.9-93.3), and mean body mass index was 21.7 kg/m2 (range, 12.3-35.1), with 26.37% of patients being overweight. All 19 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no postoperative complications and no mortality. Comparison between overweight and non-overweight patients indicated that significantly more overweight patients had cholesterol stones (5/5 vs. 7/14, p=0.036) and were classified as complicated disease (3/5 vs. 1/14, p=0.037).ConclusionsThe more frequent occurrence of complications such as choledocholithiasis or gallstone pancreatitis, in overweight patients indicates the need for more careful evaluation and management in these patients. Pediatricians and surgeons should always consider gallstone disease in pediatric patients despite difficulty in suspecting symptomatic gallstones in cases who present with abdominal pain that is rarely clear-cut.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Cholelithiasis in Children

Introduction: Cholecystitis, for a long time considered as a disease of adults, has had an increased documented incidence of non-haemolitic cholelithiasis in the Pediatric Surgery practice in the last 20 years. Even though diseases of the gall bladder are rare in children, pediatric patients account for 4% of all cases with cholecystectomy. Cholecystitis and other diseases of the gall bladder should be considered in differential diagnosis in every patient with abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, followed by jaundice, especially in children with history of hemolysis. Aim: The aim is to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in 6 children with acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis diagnosed and treated at the clinic of the authors. Patients and Methods: In the last 5 years, at UCCK, 6 patients under 12 years of age were operated, cholecystectomy was performed. The disease was more prevalent in female patients (66.66%—4 patients) than in male patients (33.33%—2 patients). Mean age was 8.6. Clinical manifestations presented: increased body temperature, abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness during examination. Other clinical manifestations included: vomiting in 4 patients (66.66%), jaundice in 2 patients (33.33%). Lab results showed leucosytosis in 3 patients (50%), disorders of the liver in 2 patients (33%). 2 patients were diagnosed with spherocytosis and splenomegaly, 1 patient had empyema of gall bladder (wall thickness of the gall bladder > 3.7 mm). Clinical diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound. Ultrasound criteria are: gall bladder thickness (3.5 mm), stones ose sludge with acoustic shadow, and collection of liquid around gall bladder (pericholecystitis). Results: All patients were initially treated with naso-gastric tube (suction), fluids and antibiotics. Cholecystectomy was performed in 4 patients and cholecys-tectomy with splenectomy in 2 patients due to spherocytosis. Discussion and conclusion: Choleli-thiasis in children is most commonly associated with haemolitic and haemoglobin diseases (Hereditary Spherocytosis, Sideropenic Anaemia, Thalasemia etc.). The incidence of cholesterol stones is higher than pigment stones. Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis in children are more common than previously thought. Ultrasound confirms with great accuracy the presence of stones and acalculous cholesytitis. Treatment is usually surgical, laparoscopic or open surgery, depending on the stage of the disease and the experience of the surgeon.

Histological evaluation of 400 cholecystectomy specimens

Background: A majority of gallbladder specimens show changes associated with chronic cholecystitis; however few harbour a highly lethal carcinoma. This study was conducted to review the significant histopathological findings encountered in gallbladder specimens received in our laboratory.Materials and Methods: Four hundred cholecystectomy specimens were studied over a period of five years (May, 2002 to April, 2007) received at department of pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Results: Gallstones and associated diseases were more common in women in the 4th to 5th decade as compared to men with M: F ratio of 1:1.33. Maximum number of patients (28.25%) being 41 to 50 years old. Histopathologically, the most common diagnosis was chronic cholecystitis (66.75%), followed by chronic active cholecystitis (20.25%), acute cholecystitis (6%), gangrenous cholecystitis (2.25%),xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (0.50%), empyema (1%), mucocele (0.25%), choledochal cyst (0.25%), adenocarcinoma gallbladder (1.25%) and normal gallbladders (1%).Conclusion: All lesions were found more frequently in women except chronic active cholecystitis. Gallstones were present in (80.25%) cases, and significantly associated with various lesions (P value 0.009). Pigment stones were most common, followed by cholesterol stones and mixed stones. Adequate sectioning is mandatory in all cases to assess epithelial changes arising from cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis as it has been known to progress to malignancy in some cases.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Type of Gallstone.

The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the formation of the gallstone types of cholesterol and pigment stones. This descriptive and retrospective study comprised 164 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. Research data were obtained using a data collection form with 34 questions developed by the researchers based on the relevant literature. Statistical analysis of the data was made on SPSS 15.0 software using the percentage assessment method and chi-square test. Advanced statistical analysis of the data was performed using multivariate logistic regression. Cholesterol stone was found to form in individuals with anemia, those going through the menopause, and those consuming liquid oil and not undertaking exercise. The risk of pigment stone formation was found to be higher in the obese and those with liver disease and who do not consume milk. From the results of the study, it was determined that the dietary habits, chronic diseases, and lifestyle behaviors of individuals could be effective factors in the formation of cholesterol and/or pigment stone.

О значимости «золотого сечения», вурфов в клинической практике

In this brief report, the authors demonstrated the importance of harmonious relations between the defined indicators in the human body. The purpose of this work was to define the significance of Wurfs in clinical practice in patients with different pathologies of the internal organs. The ratio of minoproteinic and cholesterol complexes, cholesterol, pigment and mixed stones with a special formula has been studied. The authors carried out a comparison of the results with the "gold" Wurf. The control group included 103 people, the patients with chronic active hepatitis – 43, with chronic persistent hepatitis – 51, with cirrhosis of the liver – 7, with micro spherocytes hemolytic anemia – 48, with alcoholic liver disease – 25. The authors found that there is no diagnostic significance of determination of Wurf for stones.

Relation of cholesterol metabolism to pediatric gallstone disease: a retrospective controlled study.

BackgroundCholesterol metabolism may be involved in pediatric gallstone disease. We aimed to reveal cholesterol metabolites and phytosterols and their relation to stone composition of sterols in children having black pigment and cholesterol stones.MethodsWe performed retrospective controlled clinical study, in which we examined parameters of cholesterol metabolism and liver function values in serum (n = 28) and gallstones (n = 46) of consecutively cholecystectomized children. Serum values of age-, body mass index- and sex-matched children (n = 82) and adult gallstones (n = 187) served as controls.ResultsSurrogate markers of cholesterol synthesis in serum (squalene/cholesterol, cholestenol/cholesterol and lathosterol/cholesterol) were 26–52 % higher in both stone subclasses compared to controls (p < 0.05 for all). Respectively, cholestanol/cholesterol and plant sterols campesterol/cholesterol and sitosterol/cholesterol (cholesterol absorption markers) had decreasing order in serum: black pigment stone group > controls > cholesterol stone group (p < 0.05 for all). In black pigment stone group, stone cholestanol/cholesterol was associated with serum bile acids (r = 0.620, p = 0.018). In cholesterol stone group, surrogate markers of cholesterol synthesis in serum (e.g., lathosterol/cholesterol) inversely reflected those of absorption (r-range -0.633–-0.706, p-range 0.036–0.015). In cholesterol stone group, serum and stone lathosterol/cholesterol and cholestanol/cholesterol were positively interrelated (r-range 0.727–0.847, p < 0.05 for both).ConclusionsGallstone subclasses shared enhanced cholesterol synthesis. Cholesterol stone children were low cholesterol absorbers with intact homeostasis of cholesterol metabolism. Black pigment stone group was characterized by deteriorated cholesterol metabolism, and accumulation of cholestanol, campesterol and sitosterol in serum and stones suggesting their participation in pathogenesis.

The role of interstitial Cajal-like cells in the formation of cholesterol stones in guinea pig gallbladder.

To investigate the effect of interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs) on contraction of gallbladder muscle strips; and to analyze the changes of ICLCs during cholesterol gallstone formation in guinea pig. The cholesterol gallstone animal model was made by feeding guinea pig with high cholesterol diet (HCD). In vitro isolated gallbladder muscle strips were prepared. Gallbladder motility was assessed by the contraction frequency and amplitude of slow wave in response to CCK-8. The alteration in ICLC density was estimated by using immunohistochemistry. The expression of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) were determined. The amplitude and frequency of slow wave was significantly lower in gallbladder muscle strips with the impaired ICLCs. And it is correlated with the decreased contractile response to CCK-8. In HCD guinea pig, the ICLC density and bile flow in response to CCK-8 were remarkably decreased. The results indicated that gallbladder ICLCs can create slow wave potential, and also get involved in the regulation of CCK-8 induced gallbladder smooth muscle motility. In the process of cholesterol gallstone formation, ICLC density clearly decreased. This further impaired gallbladder motility. The decrease in ICLC density may result from decreased expression of c-kit and SCF during cholesterol gallstone formation.

Correlation between MRI features and metal compositions of gallstones

Objective To analyze the correlation between the metal components and MRI signal intensities of gallstones, to investigate the causes of gallstone signal features on MRI. Methods The MRI data and the metal components of the gallstones in vivo and in vitro of 30 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The MR sequences, namely 3D fast spoiled gradient-echo with fat saturation T1-weighted imaging (3D-FSPGR-FS T1WI), fast spoiled gradient-echo with fat saturation T1-weighted imaging (FSPGR-FS T1WI), fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) and fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging with fat saturation (FSE-FS T2WI), were performed on the gallstones in vivo and in vitro. According to the characteristics of the surface and cross section, gallstones were divided into pigment gallstones(n=16) and cholesterol gallstones(n=14). The MR signal characteristics of the gallstones were observed and the signal intensity rates of the gallstones were calculated. Preoperatively, the signal intensity rates of cholesterol and pigment stones of each MR sequence were compared by using t test and Mann-Whiteney U test. Postoperatively, the signal intensity rates of the fresh, dried and re-soaked gallstones were compared by using paired t test and Wilcoxon test. The correlation between the signal intensity rates of gallstones on the 3D-FSPGR-FS sequence and their metal components was analyzed by using Linear Regression analysis. Results The pigment gallstones showed high signal intensity on the 3D-FSPGR-FS T1WI. The signal intensity rates of the pigment gallstones were higher than the rates of the cholesterol gallstones on the 3D-FSPGR-FS T1WI, which were 2.02±0.53 and 0.51±0.24 (t=10.26, P< 0.01), respectively. On the 3D-FSPGR-FS T1WI, the signal intensity rates of the drying pigment stones were significantly lower than the rates of the fresh ones, the rates of the two states of the pigment gallstones were 0.21±0.06 and 1.42±0.35(t= 13.49, P<0.01),respectively. The signal intensity rates of pigment gallstones showed significant rebound after re-soaking, the rates of the two states of the pigment gallstones were 0.21±0.06 and 1.68±0.86(t=-6.63, P< 0.01),respectively. The metal components of pigment gallstones were significantly higher than the cholesterol stones. In the pigment gallstones and cholesterol gallstones, the medians of the Calcium were 28.186 and 2.347 mg/g (Z=-4.66, P< 0.01), respectively. For pigment gallstones, there was a significant correlation between the calcium and the signal intensity rate on 3D-FSPGR-FS T1WI. The regression equation of linear regression analysis was SI= 65.40 logCa-166.67. Conclusions The pigment gallstones containing much more water and metal showed high signal intensity on 3D-FSPGR-FS T1WI. The Calcium in the pigment gallstones may be the main cause for this MR appearance. Key words: Cholelithiasis; Magnetic resonance imaging; Comparative study

Report on the 2013 national cholelithiasis survey in Japan.

The Academic Committee of the Japan Biliary Association conducted a national survey of cholelithiasis and analyzed its current management centering on epidemiology. To allow comparison with previous results, a prospective survey was performed on the treatment of cholelithiasis during the month of August 2013, using the same questionnaire as that used for the 1997 Cholelithiasis Survey Project by the Japan Biliary Association. A personal questionnaire was sent to 71 institutions, and 612 individual survey sheets were collected from 56 institutions as treated during August 2013. Compared with the results obtained in 1997, the gender ratio was reversed in 2013 with male predominance. There were increases in the mean age, asymptomatic ratio, use of magnetic resonance cholangiopantreatography for diagnosis, and cholesterol stone type was also increased. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for 79.8% of gallbladder stones, and treatment of common bile duct stones generally involved endoscopic procedures, among which endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was performed more often compared with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), suggesting that EST is the mainstream treatment for common bile duct stones.

Analysis of gallstone composition and structure in Jharkhand region.

The aim of this study was to analyze gallstones structurally and chemically as this may help to direct the measures for its treatment. On the basis of morphology, 459 gallstones were categorized into pigmented, cholesterol, and mixed gallstones and analyzed for their chemical structure and composition. Elementary analysis was done with the help of inductively coupled plasma, optical emission spectrophotometry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used for compound analysis. The effects of thermal stability were analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Statistical analysis was done to correlate gallstone composition with their shape and number in gallbladder. Pigmented gallstones were predominant and generally occurred in multiple forms, cholesterol as solitaire and black pigmented as slug (χ (2) = 3.56; p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy showed the crystals of cholesterol in cholesterol gallstones while pigmented gallstones were more compact in structure. Both types of structure were seen in mixed stones while black pigmented stones were amorphous in nature. This difference in structures might be due to difference in chemical compositions. Cholesterol and mixed stones contained basically cholesterol, brown pigmented constituted bilirubin as a major component, and black stones differed from brown pigmented stones by the presence of Ca palmitate. Bilirubin and palmitate were thermally more stable than cholesterol; hence pigmented gallstones were thermally more stable than cholesterol gallstones, as seen in TGA study. Pigmented gallstones were most common in this study of gallstones from the Jharkhand region.

Analysis of Kidney and Gall Stones of Patients from North-East Bangladesh by FTIR

Kidney and gallstones represent a prevalent and costly health problem. This study aimed to define patterns of stones and identify chemical compositions in the sample of symptomatic kidney and gallstones from North-East part of Bangladesh (Sylhet City, Sylhet) using infrared spectroscopy. Kidney and gallstones were recovered from patients of Osmani Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh. A total of 5 kidney and 3 gall stone samples were collected randomly and analyzed for composition by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Among the five kidney stone samples, KDS 01 was mixture of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium phosphate, KDS 02 and 03 were calcium oxalate and uric acid stones, KDS 04 was uric acid stone and KDS 05 was calcium oxalate dehydrate and calcium phosphate. Among the three gall stone samples, GBS 01 was cholesterol stone, GBS 02 was mixed stone and GBS 03 was pigment stone. © 2014 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v6i3.16721 J. Sci. Res. 6 (3), 553-561 (2014)

Clonorcis sinensis eggs are associated with calcium carbonate gallbladder stones

Calcium carbonate gallbladder stones were easily neglected because they were previously reported as a rare stone type in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between calcium carbonate stones and Clonorchis sinensis infection. A total of 598 gallbladder stones were studied. The stone types were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The C. sinensis eggs and DNA were detected by microscopic examination and real-time fluorescent PCR respectively. And then, some egg-positive stones were randomly selected for further SEM examination. Corresponding clinical characteristics of patients with different types of stones were also statistically analyzed. The detection rate of C. sinensis eggs in calcium carbonate stone, pigment stone, mixed stone and cholesterol stone types, as well as other stone types was 60%, 44%, 36%, 6% and 30%, respectively, which was highest in calcium carbonate stone yet lowest in cholesterol stone. A total of 182 stones were egg-positive, 67 (37%) of which were calcium carbonate stones. The C. sinensis eggs were found adherent to calcium carbonate crystals by both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Patients with calcium carbonate stones were mainly male between the ages of 30 and 60, the CO2 combining power of patients with calcium carbonate stones were higher than those with cholesterol stones. Calcium carbonate gallbladder stones are not rare, the formation of which may be associated with C. sinensis infection.

Extensive Quantitative Analysis of Gallstones

Background: The chemical composition of gallstones is essential to study aetiopathogenesis of gallstone disease. Objective: To determine the composition of gallstones in a Sudanese population. Patients and methods: It describes an extensive quantitative analysis of gallstones from patients presented with symptomatic gall stone disease and treated by cholecystectomy after the acceptance of the pre-given informed consent in Khartoum teaching hospital in the period between Jan 2010 and Dec 2010. Using a pretested questionnaire data collected from and analyzed statistically by SPSS computer program version 21. Results: Data are analyzed from 94 patients (six males and 88 females). Cholesterol stones showed a significantly higher cholesterol content than pigment stones (p = 0.0042), though not significantly higher than mixed stones. Their phospholipids content and inorganic phosphates were higher than in the other types of stones and oxalate content was significantly elevated in comparison with mixed stones (p = 0.0402). In mixed stones, the cholesterol, bile acids, and bilirubin were intermediate between cholesterol and pigment stones, whereas triglycerides were significantly more than pigment stones (p = 0.0007). Bilirubin (p = 0.0021) and bile acids (p = 0.0016) were significantly higher than cholesterol stones (p = 0.0001) and (p = 0.0001) respectively. However, they contained the lowest amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and oxalate. In pigment stones, bilirubin was significantly higher (p = 0.0001) than both groups. Conclusion: Collaborations between surgeons, nutritionists, biochemists, and physicians should be stimulated in future studies to define the different types of gall stones in different areas in Sudan and the relevancy of such types with diets’ traditions.

Gallstones in patients with liver cirrhosis: incidence, etiology, clinical and therapeutical aspects.

Gallstones occur in about one third of the patients having liver cirrhosis. Pigment gallstones are the most frequent type, while cholesterol stones represent about 15% of all stones in cirrhotics. Increased secretion of unconjugated bilirubin, increased hydrolysis of conjugated bilirubin in the bile, reduced secretion of bile acids and phospholipds in bile favor pigment lithogenesis in cirrhotics. Gallbladder hypomotility also contributes to lithogenesis. The most recent data regarding risk factors for gallstones are presented. Gallstone prevalence increases with age, with a ratio male/female higher than in the general population. Chronic alcoholism, viral C cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are the underlying liver diseases most often associated with gallstones. Gallstones are often asymptomatic, and discovered incidentally. If asymptomatic, expectant management is recommended, as for asymptomatic gallstones in the general population. However, a closer follow-up of these patients is necessary in order to earlier treat symptoms or complications. For symptomatic stones, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the therapy of choice. Child-Pugh class and MELD score are the best predictors of outcome after cholecystectomy. Patients with severe liver disease are at highest surgical risk, therefore gallstone complications should be treated using noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures, until stabilization of the patient condition.

Histochemical study of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in gallbladder containing cholesterol stones

Histochemical study of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in gallbladder containing cholesterol stones

Nutritional factors (nutritional aspects) in biliary disorders: Bile acid and lipid metabolism in gallstone diseases and pancreaticobiliary maljunction

Nutritional factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of biliary diseases such as gallstones and pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Gallstones are primarily classified into cholesterol stone and pigment stone according to the major composition. Cholesterol gallstone formation is very likely based upon supersaturated bile formation, and pigment stones are formed in bile rich in bilirubin. Thus, defects of hepatic metabolism of lipids and organic anions lead to biliary stones. Here, the recent understanding of cholesterol gallstone pathogenesis is elaborated. On the other hand, there is another important link of biliary lipid degradation to serious biliary disease, namely pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), a derivative of phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by phospholipase A2, is a highly abundant bioactive lipid mediator present in circulation as well as in bile. Increases in bile of lysoPC and phospholipase A2 have been reported in pancreaticobiliary maljunction and considered to be the major risk factor for biliary tract cancers. Further, oxidized fatty acids have been established as a potent ligand for G2A, a member of G protein-coupled receptor family that mediates a diverse array of biological processes including cell growth and apoptosis. Thus, both of lysoPC and free fatty acids are supposed to play an important role through G2A in biliary inflammation and carcinogenesis of pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Taken together, nutritional factors, especially lipid compounds, are seemingly crucial in the pathogenesis of biliary diseases, and such a causal relationship is reviewed by mainly authors' previous publications.

The Systematic Classification of Gallbladder Stones

BackgroundTo develop a method for systematic classification of gallbladder stones, analyze the clinical characteristics of each type of stone and provide a theoretical basis for the study of the formation mechanism of different types of gallbladder stones.MethodologyA total of 807 consecutive patients with gallbladder stones were enrolled and their gallstones were studied. The material composition of gallbladder stones was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and the distribution and microstructure of material components was observed with Scanning Electron Microscopy. The composition and distribution of elements were analyzed by an X-ray energy spectrometer. Gallbladder stones were classified accordingly, and then, gender, age, medical history and BMI of patients with each type of stone were analyzed.Principal FindingsGallbladder stones were classified into 8 types and more than ten subtypes, including cholesterol stones (297), pigment stones (217), calcium carbonate stones (139), phosphate stones (12), calcium stearate stones (9), protein stones (3), cystine stones (1) and mixed stones (129). Mixed stones were those stones with two or more than two kinds of material components and the content of each component was similar. A total of 11 subtypes of mixed stones were found in this study. Patients with cholesterol stones were mainly female between the ages of 30 and 50, with higher BMI and shorter medical history than patients with pigment stones (P<0.05), however, patients with pigment, calcium carbonate, phosphate stones were mainly male between the ages of 40 and 60.ConclusionThe systematic classification of gallbladder stones indicates that different types of stones have different characteristics in terms of the microstructure, elemental composition and distribution, providing an important basis for the mechanistic study of gallbladder stones.