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Biliary proteins and their redox status changes in gallstone patients
I Grattagliano1, D Q-H Wang, A Di Ciaula
1University Medical School of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|August 7, 2009
Summary
Bile proteins influence cholesterol gallstone formation. Lower protein sulfhydryl levels in patients with cholesterol stones suggest a biochemical shift contributing to cholesterol crystallization.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Biliary proteins may promote cholesterol crystallization.
- Human biliary protein redox status and its role in cholesterol gallstone formation are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the redox status of biliary proteins in patients with cholesterol gallstones and pigment gallstones.
- To explore the relationship between biliary protein characteristics and cholesterol crystallization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gallbladder bile from 86 patients undergoing cholecystectomy.
- Measurement of protein redox status (carbonyl and protein sulfhydryl [PSH] concentrations), total lipids, total proteins, and cholesterol saturation index (CSI).
- Assessment of cholesterol crystal formation time (COT) using polarizing light microscopy over 21 days.
Main Results:
- Cholesterol gallstone patients exhibited shorter COT, higher CSI, and higher total biliary protein concentrations compared to pigment stone patients.
- Cholesterol gallstone patients had significantly lower PSH levels.
- Crystallization probability correlated with gallstone type/number and total protein concentration; COT was negatively correlated with total protein.
Conclusions:
- Bile from cholesterol gallstone patients is characterized by high CSI, high total protein, and rapid cholesterol crystallization.
- Low PSH levels in cholesterol gallstone patients indicate a potential biochemical shift influencing cholesterol crystallization.
- Multiple stones and high protein concentration accelerate cholesterol crystal formation.
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