CHANGES IN THE GALLBLADDER WALL AT DIFFERENT DEGREES OF OBESITY

Аннотация

Background:Obesity is a growing global health concern with wide-ranging systemic effects, including changes in biliary tract structure and function. While gallstone formation has been well- documented in obese individuals, less attention has been paid to early histological changes in the gallbladder wall associated withvarying degrees of obesity. Objective:To evaluate the histopathological changes of the gallbladder wall in patients with different body mass index (BMI) categories and determine the relationship between obesity severity and structural alterations. Methods:A total of 90 patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy were categorized into three groups based on BMI: normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9), and obese (BMI ≥30.0). Gallbladder wall specimens were evaluated for thickness, mucosal hyperplasia, smooth muscle hypertrophy, subepithelial fibrosis, and inflammatory infiltration. Statistical analysis assessed correlations between BMI and histological changes. Results:Gallbladder wall thickness and severity of histopathological changes increased significantly with higher BMI (p < 0.001). Mucosal hyperplasia, muscular hypertrophy, and fibrosis were significantly more prevalent in obese patients. Strong positive correlations were found between BMI and both wall thickness andfibrosis scores. Conclusion:Obesity is associated with progressive structural changes in the gallbladder wall that may precede clinical symptoms or gallstone formation. Early identification of such alterations may aid in preventing futurebiliary complications in at-risk populations. Keywords:Gallbladder wall; Obesity; Body mass index; Histopathology; Inflammation; Fibrosis; Mucosal hyperplasia; Cholecystectomy.