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Study of serum calcium and trace elements in chronic cholelithiasis
Ganga R Verma1, Ajay K Pandey, Shashank M Bose
1Department of Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. grverma@mantraonline.com
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|August 23, 2002
Summary
Patients with chronic cholelithiasis have higher levels of biliary calcium and trace elements, which may contribute to gallstone formation. This study found increased copper, zinc, and iron in the bile of these patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Chronic cholelithiasis (gallstone disease) is linked to elevated biliary calcium and trace elements.
- Copper, zinc, and iron are trace elements potentially involved in gallstone pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of biliary calcium and trace elements in the development of gallstones in patients with chronic cholelithiasis.
- To compare the levels of calcium and trace elements in serum and bile between patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum, bile, and gallstone samples from 48 chronic cholelithiasis patients and 20 controls were analyzed.
- Quantification of calcium, copper, zinc, and iron in biological samples.
- Comparison of biliary levels and bile/serum ratios of these elements between groups.
Main Results:
- Patients showed lower serum calcium but higher biliary calcium compared to controls.
- Significantly elevated levels of copper, zinc, and iron were found in the bile of patients.
- Higher bile/serum ratios for calcium, copper, and zinc were observed in patients.
- Pigment gallstones had higher calcium, copper, and iron content than cholesterol stones.
Conclusions:
- Elevated biliary calcium and trace elements, along with altered gallbladder bile pH, are implicated in the pathogenesis of gallstones.
- These biochemical changes in bile may be a key factor in gallstone formation in chronic cholelithiasis.