A Study on the Calcium-Binding Protein in Gallbladder Bile / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Calcium salts are usually present in the center of all types of gallstones, including pure cholesterol stones. It has been postulated that precipitation of calcium salts might act as a nidus for gallstone formation. Our goal was to determine whether a calcium-binding protein was present in bile and whether this protein has any calcium-binding properties. METHODS: Calcium-binding moiety was obtained by addition of CaC12 into the gallbladder bile. Calcium-binding protein was identified by SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). The capacity to bind calcium was confirmed by autoradiography with 45Ca++. RESULTS: We identified a protein(M.W.bile on addition of CaC1(2) at the final concentration of 0,5mol/L in control subjects. The protein was also observed in bile and stones of gallstone patients. The protein had the capacity to bind calcium and it. was confirmed by autoradio-graphy with 45Ca++.

CONCLUSION:

The presence of calcium-binding protein in bile and its ability to bind calcium suggest that it may play a functional role in the pathogenesis of gallstones.