Radiocarbon dating of gallstones for timeline of formation, dormancy analysis, and correlation with chemical/microbial composition: a pilot study on gallstone geobiology
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background India has a high incidence of gallstones , which can cause chronic inflammation and increase the risk of gallbladder cancer . Understanding the age and composition of gallstones can provide insights into their formation and growth. This study used radiocarbon dating (¹⁴C dating), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and metagenome analysis to explore the natural history, deposition rate, and microbial/chemical composition of gallstones . Methods In this pilot study, 3 cholesterol gallstones were chosen with different tissue histopathologies (normal, metaplasia , and dysplasia), and respective layers were analyzed for 14 C bomb-pulse dating and FTIR for age and chemical composition, respectively. The core of each gallstone was subjected to scanning electron microscopy and further to 16S rRNA sequencing for microbial analysis. Results The 14 C data indicated that the largest stone with dysplastic epithelium formed over 6 years, whereas stones with metaplasia and normal pathology took 13 and 12 years to develop, respectively. Furthermore, the largest stone was dormant for 6 years before the individual experienced acute pain , whereas the other 2 stones laid dormant for 7 and 18 years. FTIR analysis revealed that all 3 gallstones were primarily composed of cholesterol. In addition, calcium oxalate , calcium carbonate , and calcium bilirubinate were present in stones with underlying dysplasia . The 16S rRNA analysis revealed an increased abundance of Corynebacterium sp. in stones associated with metaplasia and dysplasia . Moreover, pathogenic Klebsiella and Escherichia coli species were abundant in calcium oxalate–rich gallstones with underlying dysplasia . Conclusion Overall, the pilot study established the feasibility of 14 C bomb pulse for evaluating the timeline of gallstone formation . In addition, 14 C dating combined with FTIR/metagenome analysis helped in understanding the natural history of gallstone-associated disease.
Authors: Vipin Yadav, Ragini Kilambi, Rajveer Sharma, Nihar Mohapatra, Shridhar V. Sasturkar, Anit Dawar, Archana Rastogi, Manju Saini, Deepti Sharma, Nirupma Trehanpati, Pratibha R. Kale, Viniyendra Pamecha, Gayatri Ramakrishna
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,950
Awards: G4030110716, G8058884323
OpenAlex ID: W4405818122