Chemical Composition Analysis of Human Gallstones in Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Morocco

This analysis examines the link between patient characteristics and gallstone composition in Beni Mellal, Morocco. A total of 226 patients with gallstones (198 women, 28 men) from the Beni Mellal Regional Hospital Center participated in 2018. Techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to analyze the gallstone samples. Additionally, participants completed questionnaires regarding their demographic data and dietary habits. Among the cohort, 20 gallstones were selected for detailed analysis based on distinct morphological characteristics, such as color, size, and shape. These samples underwent thorough characterization. To represent the different composition profiles observed among the analyzed samples, six representative spectra were selected for detailed presentation in the manuscript, aiming to avoid redundancies, as several samples exhibited similar spectral characteristics. Mixed-composition gallstones were identified in 95% of patients, reflecting findings consistent with other regions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was favored for composition analysis due to its accuracy, sensitivity, and minimal sample preparation requirements. A significant association was observed between patient characteristics (age, gender, geographic origin) and the main components of the stones. Positive correlations emerged between the presence of cholesterol stones, calcium bilirubinate, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate, and a high consumption of protein- and calcium-rich foods (such as meat and dairy products) commonly found in the diet of Beni Mellal. The frequent consumption of cholesterol-rich products suggests a potential link with the prevalence of cholesterol gallstones in this region.