Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
We have studied hepatic function in individuals chronically exposed to arsenic (As) via drinking water in Region Lagunera, Mexico.
The main findings of this study were the predominantly conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and increased serum ALP activity which were related to the concentration of total arsenic (TAs) in urine, suggesting the presence of cholestasis in As-exposed individuals.
Arsenic (toxic) -> gallstones -> increased bilirubin in the blood and increased alkaline phosphatase (as the ducts are blocked).
Gallstones:
Content Gallstones have different appearance, depending on their contents. On the basis of their contents, gallstones can be subdivided into the two following types:
Cholesterol stones are usually green, but are sometimes white or yellow in color. They are made primarily of cholesterol.
Pigment stones are small, dark stones made of bilirubin and calcium salts that are found in bile.
They account for the other 20 percent of gallstones. Risk factors for pigment stones include hemolytic anemia, cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and hereditary blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and spherocytosis.
Mixed stones account for the majority of stones.
Most of these are a mixture of cholesterol and calcium salts.
Because of their calcium content, they can often be visualized radiographically.
Cholesterol gallstones develop when bile contains too much cholesterol and not enough bile salts.
Besides a high concentration of cholesterol, two other factors seem to be important in causing gallstones.
The first is how often and how well the gallbladder contracts; incomplete and infrequent emptying of the gallbladder may cause the bile to become overconcentrated and contribute to gallstone formation.
The second factor is the presence of proteins in the liver and bile that either promote or inhibit cholesterol crystallization into gallstones.
In addition, increased levels of the hormone estrogen as a result of pregnancy, hormone therapy, or the use of combined (estrogen-containing) forms of hormonal contraception, may increase cholesterol levels in bile and also decrease gallbladder movement, resulting in gallstone formation.
No clear relationship has been proven between diet and gallstone formation. However, low-fibre, high-cholesterol diets, and diets high in starchy foods have been suggested as contributing to gallstone formation.
Other nutritional factors that may increase risk of gallstones include rapid weight loss, constipation, eating fewer meals per day, eating less fish, and low intakes of the nutrients folate, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C.
On the other hand, wine and whole grain bread may decrease the risk of gallstones.
Now...more about bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase in another post related to HO-1.
Please read and learn.
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