Genetic Factors for Gallstones

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have carried out a study on genetically modified mice in order to test for a possible genetic factor relating to the formation of gallstones.

Gallstones are formed when cholesterol in the form of bile is secreted from the liver at high concentrations. Patients who develop gallstones are typically diabetic or suffer from obesity.

Mice were used to test for how the presence of Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-Fabp) affects the susceptibility of developing gallstones. Genetically engineered mice, that do not have the gene that encodes for L-Fabp, and normal wild type mice were put of a high fat and cholesterol diet. After two weeks of this diet the wild type mice became obese and one out of seventeen developed gallstones. The mice lacking L-Fabp comparatively did not become obese however they had a much greater incidence of gallstones, with six out of eight developing gallstones.

The L-Fabp gene in the mouse genome is located in an area that is thought to be involved in the genetic susceptibility to gallstones. As the human genome also encodes for L-Fabp, further research on this protein could lead to doctors being able to identify patients at risk of developing gallstones or even lead to the prevention of gallstone formation.

reference:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094216.htm