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Epidemiological correlation between chromium content in gallstones and cholesterol in blood
Akiko Shigeta1, Supachai Ratanamaneechat, Songphol Srisukho
1Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Hospital, Nippon Medical School, Kawasaki, Japan.
Insights
High chromium levels in gallstones and bile were observed in Bangkok residents. Long-term chromium intake may lower blood total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1C levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
- Trace Elements
Background:
- Gallstones affect millions globally, with varying compositions and risk factors.
- Chromium is an essential trace element with potential roles in metabolic regulation.
- Geographical variations in trace element exposure may influence health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure chromium concentrations in gallstones and bile across different geographical locations.
- To investigate the relationship between chromium intake, gallstone composition, and blood metabolic markers.
Main Methods:
- Neutron activation analysis was employed to quantify chromium levels.
- Samples were collected from patients in Japan (Kawasaki) and Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok).
- Blood parameters including total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1C were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Chromium levels in gallstones and bile were significantly higher in Bangkok residents compared to those in Kawasaki and Chiang Mai.
- Higher chromium intake in Bangkok patients was sustained from gallstone formation to removal.
- Bangkok residents with high chromium intake exhibited lower total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1C levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated chromium levels in gallstones and bile are associated with Bangkok residents.
- Sustained high dietary chromium intake may contribute to reduced total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1C.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of chromium in metabolic health and gallstone formation.
Abstract:
The authors measured the chromium in gallstones and bile from patients in three areas (Kawasaki (a city adjacent to Tokyo) in Japan, Chiang Mai and Bangkok in Thailand) by means of neutron activation analysis. The chromium in three types of gallstones (cholesterol, pigment, and rare stones) and bile from patients living in Bangkok were evidently larger than those from patients living in Kawasaki and Chiang Mai. The high chromium intake by Bangkok patients continued from the start of gallstone formation until the time the stones were removed. The total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A(1C) levels in the blood from Bangkok residents with high chromium intake over a long period were clearly lower than those of Japanese and Chiang Mai residents. The authors showed that the high dietary intake of chromium over a long period may play a role in the lowering of total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A(1C) in blood.