Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on plasma levels of EETs, arachidonic acids derived lipid mediators

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are closely associated with lipoprotein metabolism, and changes in lipid profiles potentially affect their levels and functions. Given the alterations in lipid metabolism after cholecystectomy, this study aimed to investigate the levels of four EET regioisomers (free and esterified) and lipid profiles in patients with cholelithiasis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and explore correlations between these parameters.

This prospective study involved 40 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who underwent LC. Plasma EETs and serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and body mass index (BMI) values were determined preoperatively and after 6 months of LC.

After LC, triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein levels increased while TC decreased. BMI values increased significantly after the operation. Despite plasma EET levels decreasing remarkably after surgery, this change did not reach statistical significance. A significant correlation was observed between preoperative levels of 8,9- and 11,12-EET and pre-and post-operative HDL. There was a significant negative correlation between the EET levels measured before and after surgery and the change in BMI values.

In this study, we observed significant changes in lipid profile 6 months after LC. While HDL, low-density lipoprotein, and EET levels showed a decreasing trend post-surgery, this change was not statistically significant. This trend and their significant correlations may indicate a complex relationship between HDL and EET metabolism. In addition, the negative correlation between EET levels and BMI changes highlights the need for further research to elucidate the metabolic impact and weight regulation of EETs after LC.