Abstract:

Gallbladder stone disease is the most common disease with a high prevalence in many societies in the word. In the literature, the primary risk factors discussed for this disease have been evaluated as gaining and losing weight rapidly, obesity, age, gender, genetic factors, having given birth too many children, life style and medications. The aim of this investigation is to find out the chemical and physical properties of gallstones in patients living in the province of Antalya, Turkey. For this purpose, the chemical and mineralogical properties of 1243 gallstone samples from 69 patients were analyzed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) applications. In accordance with the outcome of SEM and FTIR analysis, cholesterol, calcium carbonate, calcium bilirubinate, calcium phosphate, carbonate apatite, and protein contents were observed. Cholesterol was detected in 95% of 69 patients; with 44 samples obtained from female patients. X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis showed newberyite, struvite, and aragonite minerals were found in the composition of gallstones. Newberyite was present in 59% of the samples. The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of these gallstones are very important for the understanding of gallstone formation. The results of the study are consistent with the 5F Rule (Female, Forty, Fatty, Fair, Fertile). The relationship between bilirubinate and the presence of bacteria was determined. The presence of barium acetate and aluminum silicate in gallstones revealed the relationship with environmental pollutants.

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