Malignant biliary obstruction significantly increases serum lipid levels: a novel biochemical tumor marker?
Yusuf Yazgan1, Kemal Oncu, Mustafa Kaplan
1Gastroenterology Department, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background/Aims:
We aimed to investigate the alterations in serum lipid levels due to biliary obstruction associated with benign and malignant cases. Also, we aimed to examine the possibility of the theory that extremely high serum lipid levels can predict the malignant biliary obstruction in the differantial diagnosis.
Methodology:
Three hundred twenty two patients who were performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with the intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis were reviewed in the period from September 2007 to October 2010.
Results:
In the malignant obstruction group, meaningfully higher total cholesterol (p<0,001), low-density lipoprotein (p>0.05) and triglycerides (p<0.05) were observed but high-density lipoprotein (p<0.05) levels were lower. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that total cholesterol (246.74 mg/dL or less, sensitivity: 84.3%, specificity: 83.3%, area under the curve: 0.705 (0.620-0.790) (p<0.001)) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (area under the curve: 0.577 (0.444-0.710)) were predictors of malignant biliary obstruction.
Conclusions:
Serum lipid profile may be used as an applicant marker to identify malignant reasons of the obstructive jaundice.
Related Concept Videos
Cholecystitis
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...

