Biliary proteins and their redox status changes in gallstone patients: Relation to stone composition and cholesterol crystallization

I. Grattagliano, D. Q.H. Wang, A. Di Ciaula, C. V. Diogo, G. Palasciano, P. Portincasa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Proteins might act as pronucleating agents of cholesterol crystallization in bile. However, little is known about the redox status of biliary proteins in humans and their interaction with crystallization of biliary cholesterol. Materials and methods Gallbladder biles were obtained at cholecystectomy from 86 symptomatic patients with either cholesterol gallstones (32 multiple and 32 solitary stones) or pigment stones (n = 22), and studied for protein redox status [carbonyl and sulfhydryl (PSH) concentrations], total lipid and protein levels and cholesterol saturation index (CSI). First appearance of cholesterol crystals in ultrafiltered bile (crystal observation time, COT) was studied with polarizing light microscopy during 21 days. Results Patients with cholesterol stones had significantly shorter COT (3 days vs. >21 days, P < 0·05), higher CSI (149 ± 10% vs. 97 ± 7%, P < 0·05) and higher total biliary proteins (1·96 ± 0·1 mg mL-1 vs. 0·55 ± 0·1 mg mL -1, P < 0·05) than patients with pigment stones. Patients with cholesterol stones had significantly lower (P < 0·05) level of protein sulfhydryl concentrations (18 ± 4 nmol mg-1 protein vs. 49 ± 16 nmol mg-1 protein), while total lipid and carbonyl proteins concentrations were similar between cholesterol and pigment stone patients. Crystallization probability was influenced by the number/type of gallstones (multiple > solitary > pigment stones, P = 0·009) and total protein concentration (high > low levels, P = 0·004). COT was negatively correlated with total protein content (r = -0·45, P = 0·03). Conclusions Biles with cholesterol stones show high CSI and total protein concentration, and rapid COT, which is even faster in patients with multiple stones and high protein concentration. Low PSH levels in cholesterol stone patients point to a biochemical shift, potentially able to affect cholesterol crystallization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)986-992
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation
Volume39
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bile
  • Monohydrate cholesterol
  • Protein carbonyls
  • Protein sulfhydryls

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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