[Prevention of cholelithiasis with ascorbic acid. Experimental study in hamsters].

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Context:

• Cholesterol gallstone formation involves hepatic microsomal enzyme alterations, increasing cholesterol synthesis and decreasing bile salt transformation.
• Ascorbic Acid (AA) has shown potential in reversing these enzymatic changes in scorbutic animal models.

Purpose:

• To investigate the effect of high-dose Ascorbic Acid (AA) on diet-induced cholesterol gallstone formation in hamsters.
• To evaluate the potential of AA in modulating key enzymes involved in lithogenesis.

Summary:

• Male hamsters were fed a lithogenic diet for 30 days; Group A received standard AA intake, while Group B received supplementary AA.
• Group A had a 65% incidence of cholesterol calculi, compared to 25% in Group B (p < 0.05), indicating fewer gallstones with supplementary AA.
• Ascorbic Acid demonstrated an inhibitory effect on lithogenesis in this hamster model, likely by influencing microsomal enzymes.

Impact:

• Ascorbic Acid supplementation significantly reduced cholesterol gallstone incidence in a diet-induced lithogenesis model.
• The findings suggest a potential therapeutic application for Ascorbic Acid in managing human cholelithiasis due to its gallstone-inhibiting effects and lack of adverse effects.
• Further research into AA's mechanism on hepatic enzymes could elucidate its role in preventing cholesterol gallstones.