Abstract
Lysophosphatidylcholine is known to have potential cytotoxic properties. In this report, lysophosphatidylcholine concentration was examined in the bile of patients with choledocholithiasis, anomalous union with the pancreatico-biliary ductal system, intrahepatic gallstones and bile duct carcinoma. Phosphatidylcholine, amylase and mucin glycoproteins in the bile were also examined, and the etiology of intrahepatic gallstones was inventigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. The results were as follows. The concentration of lysophosphatidylcholine and the amylase activity in bile were much higher in patients with choledocholithiasis and anomalous union of the pancreatico-biliary ductal system than in controls (p<0.05). These results suggested that a considerable cytotoxic effect is exerted by phospholipase A2 in refluxing pancreatic juice, and increased concentration of lysophosphatidylcholine causes membrane damage in the presence of choledocholithiasis and anomalous union of the pancreatico-biliary ductal system. These conditions may contribute to the development of cholangitis and pancreatitis. The result of logistic regression analysis showed that mucin glycoproteins are related to the formation of intrahepatic gallstones.
