Evaluation of Spermine and Spermidine levels in Gallstone patients

Background: Gallstones or cholelithiasis are a major public health issue, which often remain asymptomatic, although they can sometimes cause discomfort by obstructing the digestive tract. Spermidine (SPD) and Spermine (SPE) are two polyamines (PAs) that regulate the growth of hepatocytes in the liver. The PAs play two functions in preserving cellular oxidative equilibrium by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and providing protection against free radical damage when serving as an enzyme substrate. Therefore, levels and metabolism of PA serve as significant markers of neoplastic alterations in the liver.Methods: Gallstone patients from multiple internal medicine hospitals were surveyed, and samples were taken and evaluated from them. Similarly, samples from healthy individuals were also taken. Under regular laboratory circumstances, the patient samples were characterized using biochemical tests, and their data was documented.Result: The levels of polyamines (PAs) and the common oxidative stress (OS) biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The main liver function tests and lipid profile levels showed no significant differences between the two studied groups. Whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), SPE, and SPD levels were significantly higher in patients than in the control group.Conclusion: The results of the study led to an association between polyamine levels and gallstone disease. An increase in PA levels was observed in cholelithiasis patients. It is concluded that PAs are associated with cholelithiasis and may be considered as potential predictors of this disease.Keywords:Cholelithiasis, Spermine, Spermidine, Malondialdehyde, Oxidative stress