The purpose of this study was to explore the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the pathogenesis of hepatolithiasis. Thirty-one patients with primary hepatolithiasis were enrolled in this study. Expressions of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin, alpha-SMA, vimentin, S100A4, TGF-beta1 and P-smad2/3 in hepatolithiasis bile duct epithelial cells were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The results showed that the expressions of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and alpha-catenin were frequently lost in hepatolithiasis (32.3% and 25.9% of cases, respectively), while the mesenchymal markers vimentin, alpha-SMA and S100A4 were found to be present in hepatolithiasis (35.5%, 29.0%, and 32.3% of cases, respectively). The increased mesenchymal marker expression was correlated with decreased epithelial marker expression. The expressions of TGF-beta1 and P-smad2/3 in hepatolithiasis were correlated with the expression of S100A4. These data indicate that TGF-beta1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition might be involved in the formation of hepatolithiasis.
Adult ; *Bile Ducts/cytology/metabolism/pathology ; Biological Markers/*metabolism ; Cell Differentiation/*physiology ; Epithelial Cells/cytology/*physiology ; Epithelium/physiology ; Female ; *Gallstones/metabolism/pathology ; Humans ; Liver Diseases/metabolism/*pathology ; Male ; Mesoderm/cytology/*physiology ; Middle Aged

This study systematically searches for academic papers related to metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2023 through the Web of Science database, and uses biblio-metric methods and visualization techniques to deeply analyse research trends, leading researchers, research institutions, and hotspots in this field. Through analysis, it uncovers the research dynamics and cutting-edge advancements in metabolic and bariatric surgery. Additionally, the authors explore current research hotspots, challenges, and potential future research directions. This study not only provides valuable reference information for researchers in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery, but also offers a scientific basis for clinical practice and policy making.