Analysis of the Physical, Chemical and Mineralogical Properties of Gallstones in the Antalya Province of Turkey

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine chemical and physical properties of gallstones of Antalya province. In line with this, the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of 1243 gallstone samples from 69 patients were analyzed, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Cholesterol, carbonate apatite, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate carbonate, calcium bilirubinate, and protein contents were observed. Cholesterol was detected in 95% of 69 samples patients, 44 of which were obtained from female patients. X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis showed newberyite, struvite, and aragonite minerals were found in the gallstones. Newberyite was present in 59% of the samples. Newberyite precipitates in cases where the pH value of the patient’s bile decreases and where the amount of magnesium in the bile is high. Failure in the degradation magnesium during metabolism may lead to the formation of newberyite in gallstones. Struvite is associated with the presence of ammonium phosphate in bile. Ammonium phosphate is present in plant fertilizers and can easily be dissolved in water. These minerals (newberyite and struvite) are present in the human body and, more importantly, are intricately involved in the body’s production and destruction mechanisms. Therefore, determining the source of these minerals is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of gallstone formation.