HP01
METALS IN GALLBLADDER CARCINOGENESIS

Carcinoma gallbladder is the commonest malignancy in the Northern part of India. The heavy metals are known carcinogens while trace metals have protective effect.Aim  The aim of the study is to estimate the heavy and trace metal (Lead, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium, Manganese and Selenium) concentration in serum, bile, tissue and gallstone in patients with gallbladder diseases.Method  This is a pilot study conducted in 45 cases (Group – I: 15 cases of carcinoma gallbladder, Group II: 15 patients of cholecystitis with cholelithiasis and Group – III: 15 patients of healthy control), to detect the relationship between the heavy and trace metal concentration and gall bladder carcinoma. Analysis of metal was done using Perkins‐Elmer model 2380 atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results  The serum concentration of copper and nickel was significantly high in carcinoma gallbladder patients as compared to patients with cholecystitis while zinc and selenium is low in carcinoma gallbladder patients. Bile concentration of zinc, selenium and manganese was significantly low in carcinoma gallbladder patients (p < 0.05) as compared to patients of cholelithiasis while cadmium and nickel was high. Tissue concentration of manganese was significantly low in carcinoma gallbladder patients as compared to patients of cholelithiasis while chromium was high. Gallstone concentration of copper, manganese and lead was significantly low in carcinoma gallbladder patients as compared to patients of cholelithiasis.Conclusion  The heavy metals are in higher concentration in carcinoma gallbladder while trace metals are in lower concentration indicating possible role of heavy metal in gallbladder carcinogenesis.