Pathogenesis of gallstones: implications for management.
How do gallstones form, and what can be done to reverse or prevent the process? Bile acid physiology and pathophysiology are reviewed, especially with respect to cholesterol stones, and bile acid treatment to dissolve them is discussed. Although less well understood, the pathogenesis of pigment (black or brown) stones may involve bilirubin or carbonate salts, or infection.
Duane
W C
WC
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000502:physiology; D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000032:analysis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000032:analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012995:Solubility; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D010860:Pigments, Biological; D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid; D002784:Cholesterol