The Structure of Nanocrystalline Calcifications from the Gallbladder

This paper focuses on the morphology and chemical composition of gallbladder calcifications. Our study involved the examination of 25 samples, comprising 5 cases of porcelain gallbladder (PG), 10 samples of cholelithiasis (ChL), and 5 cases of gallbladder cancer (GC) with biomineralization. The use of alizarin red staining confirmed the presence of calcium compounds in the calcified tissues of the gallbladder wall, as indicated by the orange-red coloration. Furthermore, von Cossa staining revealed that all samples of gallbladder wall calcifications contained calcium phosphate compounds. Our findings demonstrate the presence of different crystal phases of biominerals, with distinct phases found in the gallbladder wall (PGB and GBC) and within the gallbladder cavity (ChL) during the progression of these pathologies. Specifically, intraparietal calcifications predominantly consist of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, while stones from the gallbladder cavity are primarily composed of nanocrystalline calcium carbonate with phosphate additives. These results point to varying conditions, causes, and mechanisms underlying the formation of these calcifications.