Carolyn Wheat

210-999-8406

cwheat@trinity.edu

Role of Bilirubin Key to Understanding the Formation of Gallstones

March 17, 2000  - Understanding the bilirubin content in bile fluid secreted by the liver could hold the key to understanding how gallstones form.  William Kurtin, professor of chemistry at Trinity University, along with two undergraduate students, has been conducting research on the biophysical chemistry of bile.  He will discuss their findings when he presents, "Comparative studies of bile pigment complexation by dihydroxy and trihydroxy bile salts" at the American Chemical Society national meeting in San Francisco, March 26 to 31. Bile salts, a major component of bile, come from the metabolism of cholesterol.  Kurtin, in trying to understand the interaction of bilirubin with the other contents of bile fluid, placed bilirubin molecules in various solutions.  He discovered that bilirubin is more soluble in some solutions than others, depending on the pH level.  If the profile of the kinds of bile salts in the bile fluid changes, depending on environmental factors, the ability of bile to solubilize bile pigments can be compromised, making a person more or less susceptible to the formation of gallstones. Trinity University, founded in 1869, is a highly selective, professionally-oriented liberal arts and sciences institution.  This residential, primarily undergraduate coeducational university is noted for its superb facilities and undergraduate research opportunities.  Through its academic and co-curricular programs, Trinity seeks to develop leaders with high moral and ethical standards.  It is a learning community that has charted its course with a steadfast commitment to excellence for over 130 years.

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Last updated on November 8, 2000 by the Office of Public Relations