Microstructural and heavy metal analysis of gallstones prevalent in Jharkhand and its implications in the treatment

ABSTRACT

Objectives

In the present study the structural and compositional analysis of gallstones was carried out by various characterization techniques. Also, the utility of the study was evaluated on how the findings can enhance the treatment and dissolution therapies of gallstones?

Methods

Gallstones from the Jharkhand region were analyzed both structurally as well as chemically using Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Carbon hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer (CHNS), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and other instruments. The content of heavy metal was represented statistically as a mean with standard deviation.

Results

FESEM analysis unveiled the crystal and globular structure of cholesterol and pigment gallstones respectively. Through ICP-OES analysis metals such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn etc. were detected in gallstones. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of cholesterol and calcium carbonate and other compounds in mixed stones and calcium bilirubinate and bilirubin in pigment gallstones. NMR analysis revealed the presence of monohydrate cholesterol (Crystalline) in Cholesterol and mixed gallstones. Mixed gallstones were found to be predominant in this region in contrast to pigmented stones that were prevalent earlier.

Conclusion

The present study uncovered the current composition and content of different heavy metals in gallstones of Jharkhand region which can be instrumental in enhancing the dissolution therapies for gallstone treatment. This can serve as a major tool for practitioners for gallstone treatment and change the way they are looked at.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Gallstones
• fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
• inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry
• field emission scanning electron microscope
• X-Ray diffraction
• nuclear magnetic resonance

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi for providing the Lab facilities. Bhavna Sharma acknowledges Birla Institute of Technology for providing Institute Research fellowship (GO/Estb/Ph.D/IRF/2019-20/6649).

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Ethics statement

We have obtained human ethical approval -Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was recieved for the production of this manuscript.