Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
07:54
Cholesterol Efflux Assay
Published on: March 6, 2012
Gallstone cholesterol content is related to apolipoprotein E polymorphism
T Juvonen1, K Kervinen, M I Kairaluoma
1Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Finland.
Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene variations influence cholesterol gallstone composition and crystal formation. APOE4 phenotype is linked to higher gallstone cholesterol and faster crystal nucleation, impacting gallstone disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) phenotypes are genetically determined and influence lipoprotein metabolism, including cholesterol and bile acid enterohepatic circulation.
- Previous research suggests a link between APOE variations and lipid metabolism, but its specific role in gallstone formation requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism and the development of cholesterol gallstones.
- To determine if APOE phenotypes influence the cholesterol content, crystal formation, and nucleation time in gallstones.
Main Methods:
- APOE phenotype was determined in 169 patients who underwent cholecystectomy and 200 control individuals.
- Analysis included the cholesterol content of gallstones, presence of cholesterol monohydrate crystals in bile, and bile nucleation time.
Main Results:
- Gallstones from APOE4 phenotype patients exhibited significantly higher cholesterol content (97%) compared to APOE3 (78%) and APOE2 (76%) groups.
- Cholesterol crystals were more prevalent and formed faster in APOE4 patients, with shorter nucleation times observed (2.5 days) versus APOE3 (5.5 days) and APOE2 (6.0 days).
Conclusions:
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism significantly impacts the cholesterol composition of gallstones.
- Altered formation of cholesterol monohydrate crystals, influenced by APOE phenotypes, is suggested as the mechanism underlying these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
01:16Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters
The pharmacogenetics of drug transporters is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing interindividual variability in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. These membrane-bound proteins regulate drugs' movement across cellular barriers by actively pumping them out (efflux) or facilitating their uptake (influx). Among the major transporter families, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters play particularly prominent roles. Genetic polymorphisms...
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
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...
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...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...