Hepatic apolipoprotein A-I gene expression in patients with cholesterol gallstones treated with ursodeoxycholic acid

Objective: It has been suggested that apo A-I can inhibit cholesterol crystal nucleation in vitro, and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with cholesterol gallstones the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of UDCA on the steady-state levels (SSL) of apo A-I mRNA in the liver, as well as serum apo A-I, in patients with cholesterol gallstones. Design: Twenty Mexican patients with symptomatic radiolucent gallstones were randomized and assigned in a double blind fashion to groups that were administered either UDCA (4 mg/kg per day) or placebo for 10 to 15 days before cholecystectomy. Methods: Apo A- I mRNA levels in liver and gallbladder tissues were determined by northern blot and serum levels of apo A- I by turbidimetric method. Results: Apo A- I mRNA levels were higher in nine of the 10 patients who received UDCA and in comparison to those to the placebo group. In the gallbladder apo AI mRNA levels were undetected. Serum levels (mg/dL) of apo A- I were similar in both UDCA and placebo groups after treatment (111.7 ± 29.8 vs 115.6 ± 25.4). Conclusions: The results of this study shown that apo A- I mRNA gene express at the mRNA level in the liver but not in the gallbladder of patients with cholesterol gallstones treated with UDCA.