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Short-term fasting increases biliary calcium and bilirubin
T H Magnuson1, S A Ahrendt, K D Lillemoe
1Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Surgical Service, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Maryland 21205.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Short-term fasting significantly increases gallbladder bile calcium and bilirubin in prairie dogs. These changes may contribute to gallstone and sludge formation observed clinically.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Biliary Physiology
Background:
- Fasting is clinically linked to gallbladder sludge and pigment gallstones.
- Gallstones are primarily composed of calcium bilirubinate.
- The impact of fasting on biliary calcium and bilirubin levels remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of short-term fasting on gallbladder bile composition.
- To test the hypothesis that fasting increases gallbladder bile calcium and bilirubin.
Main Methods:
- Prairie dogs were divided into fasted (16 hr) and non-fasted groups.
- Gallbladder and hepatic bile samples were collected.
- Bile was analyzed for calcium, bilirubin, pH, and lipids.
Main Results:
- Fasted animals showed significantly higher gallbladder bile ionized calcium, total calcium, and total bilirubin.
- Bilirubin monoglucuronide levels were also elevated in fasted animals.
- Fasting led to increased biliary cholesterol saturation and decreased biliary pH.
Conclusions:
- Short-term fasting significantly alters gallbladder bile composition in prairie dogs.
- Elevated gallbladder calcium and bilirubin concentrations may contribute to gallstone and sludge formation.
- These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying fasting-induced gallstone development.