Increased lithogenicity of bile on fasting in normal subjects

Abstract

The effect of fasting on bile lithogenicity was studied in 19 normal men and 22 normal women. The molar percentages of bile acid, phospholipid, and cholesterol, determined after random overnight fasts of 9, 12, and 16 hr, were plotted on triangular coordinates. The molar percentage of cholesterol increased in both men and women. Analysis using Admirand and Small's criteria for cholesterol saturation revealed that 4.50% of normal women were lithogenic at 9.1 hr and 54.5% at 16.5 hr (PP<0.01). The duration of fasting is important in interpreting the presence of lithogenic bile; although more pronounced in women, both sexes showed increased cholesterol saturation in bile with fasting.