The APOB gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of gallstone disease in pre- and postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
The decrease in estrogen levels in the postmenopausal period changes the lipid profile by the expression of hepatic genes related to metabolism of cholesterol and bile acid synthesis that could be important in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis. The aim of the study was to determine the APOB gene 7673C>T and 12669G>A polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of gallstones and analysis of the composition of gallstones in pre- and postmenopausal women.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 94 women qualified to the laparoscopic cholecystectomy while the control group consisted of 81 women in whom gallstones and other changes in the bile ducts were excluded. Gallstones composition analysis was performed using commercially available assays. The prevalence of the APOB gene polymorphisms was determined using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).


RESULTS
When assessing the composition of gallstones in pre- and postmenopausal women, we observed differences in the studied parameters. Analysis of genetic variants of APOB gene 7673C>T and 12669G>A polymorphisms showed no significant statistical differences between studied groups and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of 7673C>T and 12669G>A polymorphisms showed no relationship between specific genetic variants and the risk of gallstones in pre- and postmenopausal women, pointing to the fact that the investigated polymorphisms are not relevant as prognostic factors in gallstone disease in the Caucasian population. Because of the possible contribution of a variety of factors in gallstones pathogenesis the studies are required to take account of additional environmental factors, what may indicate different occurrence between investigated polymorphisms, gallstone disease development and gallstones composition in Caucasians.
Department of Internal Medicine, 109 Military Hospital, Szczecin, Poland.
Karolina
K
Rudzińska
Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland ; Department of Pharmacology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Poznan, Poland.
Anna
A
Bogacz
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
Daniel
D
Kotrych
Division of Perinatology and Women's Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland ; Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Podhale Multidisciplinary Hospital, Nowy Targ, Poland.
Hubert
H
Wolski
Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Marian
M
Majchrzycki
Department of Pharmacology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Poznan, Poland ; Division of Perinatology and Women's Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland ; Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Division of Perinatology and Women's Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Agnieszka
A
Seremak-Mrozikiewicz
West Pomeranian Center of Oncology, Division of Surgical Oncology, Szczecin, Poland.
Bogusław
B
Kosiński
Department of General Pharmacology and Pharmacoeconomics, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland ; Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Poznan, Poland.
Bogusław
B
Czerny
apolipoprotein B; gallstones; genetic polymorphism; menopause