Synthesis, Spectral, Solvent Dependent Linear and Nonlinear Optical Characteristics of (E)-N-(3-(3-(4(dimethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl) phenyl)quinolone-2-carboxamide.

This paper presents the synthesis of novel organic compound (E)-N-(3-(3-(4(dimethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)phenyl)quinolone-2-carboxamide, also known as Quinolinecarboxamide Chalcone (QCC) using aldol condensation and carboxamide formation method. The organic sample QCC was examined by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques, respectively. Linear and third-order nonlinear optical (TNLO) properties of QCC dissolved in polar solvents such as DMSO, DMF and Ethanol have also been studied. The order of nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient of QCC was measured to be 10-11 m2/W and 10-5 m/W. The nonlinear refractive index (n2) of QCC was attributed to negative nonlinearity due to self-defocusing effect, and nonlinear absorption coefficient (ß) indicates the behaviors of saturable absorption (SA) and reverse saturable absorption (RSA). The real and imaginary features of the TNLO susceptibility (χ(3)) of QCC in polar solvents were calculated to be the order of 10─7 esu. The spectral characteristics of solvent on TNLO susceptibility of QCC were discussed. The results divulged that the synthesized organic compound is a novel nonlinear optical (NLO) material for applications in photonics and optoelectronics.

Functional variations between Mesenchymal Stem Cells of different tissue origins: A comparative gene expression profiling.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), regardless of the tissue sources, are considered as excellent candidates for cellular therapy as they are immune-privileged cells containing a multitude of therapeutic functions that aid in tissue regeneration and repair. For the effective application of these cells in cell therapy, it is important to understand and characterize their biological functions. OBJECTIVES: The present study attempts to characterize the variations in multipotent function such as cell surface antigen levels, proliferation, differentiation and stemness (pluripotency) potential of MSCs isolated from foetal [wharton's jelly (WJ), foetal and maternal side of placenta (PF and PM)] and adult tissue sources [bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AT)] using gene expression by real time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Amongst the different tissue sources, PM, PF and AT-MSCs exhibited significant increase (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively) in CD 73 expression and therefore could have a role in immunomodulation. WJ-MSCs exhibited superior proliferation potential based on growth curve, PCNA and Wnt gene expression. BM-MSCs were superior in exhibiting trilineage differentiation. Enhanced stemness potential (Oct 4 and Nanog) was observed for both BM and WJ-MSCs. In addition, BM and WJ-MSCs expressed high levels of CD 90 making them suitable in bone repair and regeneration. CONCLUSION: Thus to conclude, out of the five different sources tested, BM an adult source and WJ-MSCs a foetal source were superior in exhibiting most of the biological functions indicating that these sources may be suitable candidates for cell repair and regeneration studies.

An Interesting Case of a Movement Disorder.

Neuroacanthocytosis is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder with syndromes of variable inheritance. These hyperkinetic movement disorders are reported to be very rare. It is associated with choreiform movements, orofacial and lingual dyskinesias and acanthocytes on peripheral smear and normolipoproteinemia. Here we present a similar case.

Rapid characterization of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales by multiplex lateral flow assay and detection of ceftazidime-avibactam-aztreonam synergy.

PURPOSE: The choice of antibiotics for treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is increasing becoming limited due to co-expression of Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) along with other carbapenemases in these isolates. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of CRE and to determine the in-vitro synergy and clinical outcomes of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam combination in CRE infections in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs). METHODS: 79 CRE isolates recovered from adult ICUs during January to March 2023 were tested by O.K.N.V.I. RESIST-5, a lateral flow multiplex assay for rapid detection of OXA-48-like, NDM, IMP, VIM, and KPC carbapenemases. Ceftazidime-Avibactam MIC was determined by microbroth dilution method and in vitro synergy between Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam was assessed by Modified E-test/disc diffusion method for these isolates. RESULTS: The study revealed 7.5 % occurrence of CRE in our hospital, with high occurrence of NDM (n = 42, 53.1 %) and OXA-48-like (n = 63, 79.7 %) carbapenemase. Production of more than one type of carbapenemases was found in 44 isolates. A total of 57 isolates (72 %) had Ceftazidime-Avibactam resistance and 44 of them displayed Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam in-vitro synergy. Successful clinical outcome was observed in two patients who received Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam combination therapy for 7 days or more. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the preponderance of Ceftazidime-Avibactam resistant CRE expressing NDM and OXA-48-like carbapenemase in our hospital, 77.2 % of them displayed in-vitro synergy of Ceftazidime-Avibactam with Aztreonam. It emphasizes the potential therapeutic utility of this combination in CRE strains showing coproduction of MBL and serine carbapenemases. Greater therapeutic potential of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam combination was observed with extended duration of therapy. However, further clinical evidence is needed to establish the efficacy of this combination and consider other factors that influence treatment outcomes.

Pathophysiology of hypertriglyceridemia.

The importance of triglycerides as risk factor for CVD is currently under debate. The international guidelines do not include TG into their risk calculator despite the recent observations that plasma TG is an independent risk factor for CVD. The understanding of the pathophysiology of triglycerides opens up avenues for development of new drug targets. Hypertriglyceridemia occurs through 1. Abnormalities in hepatic VLDL production, and intestinal chylomicron synthesis 2. Dysfunctional LPL-mediated lipolysis or 3. Impaired remnant clearance. The current review will discuss new aspects in lipolysis by discussing the role of GPIHBP1 and the involvement of apolipoproteins and in the process of hepatic remnant clearance with a focus upon the role of heparin sulfate proteoglycans. Finally we will shortly discuss future perspectives for novel therapies aiming at improving triglyceride homeostasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.

Signet cell rectal carcinoma with prostatic involvement detected by FAPI-04 PET-MRI fusion.

A 60-year-old male patient diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma of lower third of rectum underwent abdominoperineal resection and permanent colostomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Response evaluation with F-18 FDG PET-CT showed a complete metabolic response. After 6 months, CEA levels started increasing and clinically a recurrence was suspected. A restaging FDG PET-CT showed no obvious malignant disease. Patient presented again within a month with complaints of urinary retention and haematuria. CEA levels were further elevated, and Ga-68 FAPI-04 (FAPI) PET-CT was performed. FAPI PET-CT revealed prostatic and seminal vesicle disease involvement. Additionally, an MRI of pelvis was done and fused with FAPI PET for confirmation of prostatic involvement.

Mutations in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, GPIHBP1 and LMF1 in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia.

OBJECTIVES: The severe forms of hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) are caused by mutations in genes that lead to the loss of function of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). In most patients with severe HTG (TG > 10 mmol L(-1) ), it is a challenge to define the underlying cause. We investigated the molecular basis of severe HTG in patients referred to the Lipid Clinic at the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam. METHODS: The coding regions of LPL, APOC2, APOA5 and two novel genes, lipase maturation factor 1 (LMF1) and GPI-anchored high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), were sequenced in 86 patients with type 1 and type 5 HTG and 327 controls. RESULTS: In 46 patients (54%), rare DNA sequence variants were identified, comprising variants in LPL (n = 19), APOC2 (n = 1), APOA5 (n = 2), GPIHBP1 (n = 3) and LMF1 (n = 8). In 22 patients (26%), only common variants in LPL (p.Asp36Asn, p.Asn318Ser and p.Ser474Ter) and APOA5 (p.Ser19Trp) could be identified, whereas no mutations were found in 18 patients (21%). In vitro validation revealed that the mutations in LMF1 were not associated with compromised LPL function. Consistent with this, five of the eight LMF1 variants were also found in controls and therefore cannot account for the observed phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mutations in LPL was 34% and mostly restricted to patients with type 1 HTG. Mutations in GPIHBP1 (n = 3), APOC2 (n = 1) and APOA5 (n = 2) were rare but the associated clinical phenotype was severe. Routine sequencing of candidate genes in severe HTG has improved our understanding of the molecular basis of this phenotype associated with acute pancreatitis and may help to guide future individualized therapeutic strategies.

Hematological changes following early ligation of splenic artery during splenectomy in shunt surgery for portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND DATA: Reduction in cellular elements of blood, secondary to hypersplenism is an established component of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Prior transfusion of blood or blood components is frequently required for safe surgical intervention. Due to thrombocytopenia, epidural catheter insertion for effective and durable analgesia is not possible. The aim of the present study was to objectively demonstrate the gain in blood components following early ligation of splenic artery for splenectomy in shunt surgery. METHODS: From Jan 2008 to July 2010, 30 patients underwent elective proximal spleno renal shunt for portal hypertension, for various indications and were analyzed prospectively. We followed the standard protocol of ligating the splenic artery in situ, first in the lesser sac. Proximal spleno shunt was done. After the surgical procedure and before extubation, an epidural catheter was placed for effective and durable analgesia. 5ml of venous blood was drawn in the following order of sequence: prior to induction of anesthesia, immediately after the ligation of splenic artery, 30 minutes after ligation of splenic artery and 30 minutes after splenectomy. Samples were sent for complete hemogram and values were analyzed in respective order. Patients requiring transfusion of blood or blood components during surgery were excluded from the study. RESULTS: 30 patients (M - 9, F- 21) with mean age of 29.4 years (11-60 years) were analyzed (NCPF- 20, EHPVO- 9, cirrhosis- 1). We objectively demonstrated a significant gain in RBCs (p = 0.016) and platelets (p = 0.000) using this standard protocol. As there were no intrinsic abnormalities in RBCs, red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) showed no changes as expected (p-0.9). CONCLUSION: By following this standard protocol, in addition to reduction in blood loss there was a significant gain in RBCs and platelets. This gain allows the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure safely and the anesthetist to secure an epidural catheter immediately after surgery for effective and durable analgesia without prior transfusion.

Peri-operative outcomes for pancreatoduodenectomy in India: a multi-centric study.

BACKGROUND: There have been an increasing number of reports world-wide relating improved outcomes after pancreatic resections to high volumes thereby supporting the idea of centralization of pancreatic resectional surgery. To date there has been no collective attempt from India at addressing this issue. This cohort study analysed peri-operative outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) at seven major Indian centres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2007, retrospective data on PDs, including intra-operative and post-operative factors, were obtained from seven major centres for pancreatic surgery in India. RESULTS: Between January 2005 and December 2007, a total of 718 PDs were performed in India at the seven centres. The median number of PDs performed per year was 34 (range 9-54). The median number of PDs per surgeon per year was 16 (range 7-38). Ninety-four per cent of surgeries were performed for suspected malignancy in the pancreatic head and periampullary region. The median mortality rate per centre was four (range 2-5%). Wound infections were the commonest complication with a median incidence per centre of 18% (range 9.3-32.2%), and the median post-operative duration of hospital stay was 16 days (range 4-100 days). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first multi-centric report of peri-operative outcomes of PD from India. The results from these specialist centers are very acceptable, and appear to support the thrust towards centralization.

A 3-SNP gene risk score and a metabolic risk score both predict hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease risk.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the causal link between plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) has recently emerged. Individuals with the metabolic syndrome have an increased risk for acquiring elevated TG levels later in life. Moreover, common DNA sequence variations in genes affecting TG levels identify individuals at risk for elevated plasma TG levels. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether a 3-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) TG gene risk score (GRS) and a metabolic risk score (MetRS) both improved CVD risk prediction. METHODS: A 3-SNP GRS and MetRS were generated in the EPIC-Norfolk cohort (n = 20,074) based on 3 SNPs in LPL and APOA5 or the number of Metabolic Syndrome criteria present (maximum 5), respectively. The associations between the 3-SNP GRS, MetRS, TG levels, and CVD risk were evaluated. RESULTS: The 3-SNP GRS and MetRS were both linearly associated with plasma TG levels, that is, +0.25 mmol/L [95% CI 0.22-0.27] per allele change (P < .001) and +0.72 mmol/L [95% CI 0.70-0.73] per increase of number of metabolic syndrome risk score points (P < .001), respectively. We observed a positive association between the 3-SNP GRS and the risk of CVD with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 [95% CI 1.04-1.74] for the highest versus the lowest GRS, which was independent of the MetRS. For the MetRS, the adjusted HR was 2.03 [95% CI 1.73-2.40] for the highest versus the lowest MetRS. CONCLUSION: Both the 3-SNP GRS and the MetRS are associated with increased plasma TG levels and increased risk for CVD.

Decreased GPIHBP1 protein levels in visceral adipose tissue partly underlie the hypertriglyceridemic phenotype in insulin resistance.

GPIHBP1 is a protein localized at the endothelial cell surface that facilitates triglyceride (TG) lipolysis by binding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Whether Glycosyl Phosphatidyl Inositol high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) function is impaired and may underlie the hyperTG phenotype observed in type 2 diabetes is not yet established. To elucidate the mechanism underlying impaired TG homeostasis in insulin resistance state we studied the effect of insulin on GPIHBP1 protein expression in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) under flow conditions. Next, we assessed visceral adipose tissue GPIHBP1 protein expression in type 2 diabetes Lepr db/db mouse model as well as in subjects with ranging levels of insulin resistance. We report that insulin reduces the expression of GPIHBP1 protein in HMVECs. Furthermore, GPIHBP1 protein expression in visceral adipose tissue in Lepr db/db mice is significantly reduced as is the active monomeric form of GPIHBP1 as compared to Leprdb/m mice. A similar decrease in GPIHBP1 protein was observed in subjects with increased body weight. GPIHBP1 protein expression was negatively associated with insulin and HOMA-IR. In conclusion, our data suggest that decreased GPIHBP1 availability in insulin resistant state may hamper peripheral lipolysis capacity.

Prevalence of aflatoxin B1 in liver biopsies of proven hepatocellular carcinoma in India determined by an in-house immunoperoxidase test.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. The incidence of HCC in India is reportedly low and varies from 0.2 to 1.9 %. Aflatoxins, secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are potent human carcinogens implicated in HCC. The prevalence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) as co-carcinogen was analysed using an in-house immunoperoxidase test in 31 liver biopsies and 7 liver-resection specimens from histopathologically proven HCC, and in 15 liver biopsies from cirrhosis patients (control group). Serum was tested for hepatitis B and C serological markers using commercial assays, and for AFB1 using an in-house ELISA with a sensitivity of approximately 1 ng ml(-1) for AFB1. In spite of positive AFB1 immunostaining in HCC cases, all serum specimens, from both HCC and the control groups, were AFB1-negative. There were 18 (58.1 %) HCC cases that revealed AFB1 in liver biopsies; 68.8 % (n=11) of non-B non-C hepatitis cases with HCC and 46.1 % (n=6) of the hepatitis B surface-antigen-positive subjects were positive for AFB1. Out of the two hepatitis B/hepatitis C virus co-infected cases, one was positive for AFB1. Of seven tumour-resection samples, six were positive for AFB1. Only one case revealed AFB1 in the non-tumour area of the resected material. Thus AFB1 staining was significantly associated with tumour tissue (P=0.03). Aflatoxins proved to have a significant association with HCC in this peninsular part of the subcontinent. The impact seems to be a cumulative process, as revealed by the AFB1 deposits in HCC liver tissue, even though the serum levels were undetectable.

Level of oxidative stress in the red blood cells of patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Liver cirrhosis is associated with gastrointestinal haemorrhage and oesophageal variceal bleeding. Altered platelet functions has been reported to be a cause of bleeding complication. We carried out this study to find out the level of oxidative stress in the red blood cells of patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Fifty patients admitted with the complication of liver cirrhosis (with bleeding complications, n=30 and without bleeding complications, n=20) were included in the study. Age and sex matched normal healthy volunteers (n=45) served as controls. The levels of oxyhaemoglobin and methaemoglobin were assayed in the red blood cells. Oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxides, lipid hydroperoxides and nitric oxide were determined along with enzymatic antioxidants. Membrane bound adenosine triphosphatases, cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADHmethaemoglobin reductase were also measured. The levels of cholesterol and total phospholipids were assessed in red blood cell membrane. The osmotic fragility of red blood cells was monitored using different concentrations of sodium chloride. RESULTS: The level of methaemoglobin was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the red blood cells of liver cirrhotic patients with bleeding complication compared to that of non bleeding patients. The activity level of NADH-methaemoglobin reductase was significantly lower (P<0.001) compared to that of normal subjects. Levels of oxidative stress markers including nitric oxide were found to be higher in patients. The levels of enzymatic antioxidants were low except of glutathione peroxidase. The activity levels of adenosine triphosphatases were also found to be significantly lower (P<0.001) in patients compared to normal subjects. A significant alteration (P<0.05) was found in membrane cholesterol/phospholipid ratio of cirrhotic bleeders. Osmotic fragility of red blood cells was also altered in patients. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: In cirrhotic condition red blood cells are subjected to severe oxidative stress with significant alterations in the membrane properties.

Solitary extra-hepatic hilar peribiliary cyst presenting with obstructive jaundice: a case report.

Peribiliary cyst is a poorly recognized and under-reported clinico-pathologic entity around the biliary tree. Peribiliary cysts are cystic dilatations of obstructed peribiliary glands, which are normal elements of the biliary tract. They are generally asymptomatic and rarely cause biliary obstruction. They are usually discovered incidentally at autopsy or in explants following liver transplantation. A 59-year-old male patient presenting with obstructive jaundice due to a large extra-hepatic hilar peribiliary cyst is reported here. We briefly discuss its differential diagnoses such as bile duct cyst, liver cyst or lymph cyst, and its management. Radiological imaging demonstrated a solitary large (5 cm) well-defined, smooth, thin walled cystic lesion at the porta hepatis paralleling but not communicating with the bile duct. A wide cyst de-roofing was performed and histological examination of the cystic wall revealed an inflammatory cyst. The patient made an uneventful recovery and remained asymptomatic with normal liver function tests 36 months postoperatively.

Structural studies of the biomineralized species of calcified pancreatic stones in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis.

The pancreatic stones (Pancreatic calculi) collected from patients suffering from chronic calcific pancreatitis were studied in a view to explore the constituents involved in the calcification. The calcified stones were characterized by XRD, EPR and IR spectroscopic techniques. The detailed studies indicate that these stones consist of calcium carbonate as a major component, besides phosphates and other protein content. The presence of aragonite phases in the biomineralized stones is also discussed. The EPR spectra gave an evidence of the presence of traces of manganese in different oxidation states, which is used as one of the EPR probes in the present work. The samples were sintered at different temperatures to remove all the organic matter, and their EPR spectra have been studied to obtain detailed information regarding the changes in the symmetry of these stone samples. The X-irradiated sample was also characterized by EPR and the resonance signals are attributed to freely rotating CO(2)(-) radicals. The infrared spectrum reveals the presence of many organic bands corresponding to the protein amides.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on copper induced oxidation of low density lipoprotein.

The aim of this study was to investigate copper (Cu++) induced oxidation state of LDL isolated from obstructive jaundice (OBJ) patients with hyperlipidemia and the effect of UDCA on the same. LDL was isolated and oxidation was induced by 5 mM CuSO4 with/without UDCA at different concentrations. LDL oxidation was assessed at different time intervals in terms of conjugated dienes, hydroperoxides and 'thiobarbituric acid reacting substances' (TBARS). The change in the level of endogenous LDL alpha-tocopherol was also monitored simultaneously. The oxidisability of LDL isolated from OBJ patients was significantly higher and showed a steep increase in the level of conjugated diene formation without any lag phase. In normal samples the oxidation proceeded slowly with a lag phase. This was also evidenced by the level of formation of hydroperoxides and TBARS. The basal level of LDL alpha-tocopherol was significantly low in OBJ samples. UDCA was found to delay the oxidation of LDL in a dose dependent manner. The consumption of alpha-tocopherol was found to be minimum in the presence of UDCA. The results of this investigation show that there is a high susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in OBJ cases and this may be due to low endogenous LDL alpha-tocopherol content. UDCA minimizes LDL oxidation in dose dependent manner, which is an additional evidence for its antioxidant nature.

Isolation, expansion and characterisation of mesenchymal stem cells from human bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord blood and matrix: a comparative study.

The multipotent and immunosuppressive capacities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attract several scientists worldwide towards translational research focusing on treatment of diseases including liver failure. Though MSC's have been isolated from different sources, researchers do not concur on the best source for expansion and clinical translation. In this study, we have compared the isolation, proliferation and expansion of MSCs from umbilical cord blood (UCB), Wharton's Jelly (WJ), bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AT). MSCs were isolated by density gradient separation from UCB, BM and AT and by both enzymatic and explant method for WJ. The MSCs are characterized by their ability to adhere to plastic, expression of positive (CD105, CD73, CD90, CD29, CD44) and negative (CD45, CD14, CD34) markers by flow cytometry and also by their in vitro adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. This comprehensive study clearly shows that WJ is better than UCB both in terms of rapidity, yield and ease of procedure. AT and BM are autologous sources for MSC's but the specimen collection involves cumbersome and painful procedures and an invasive approach. However being autologous, they are safe and probable candidates for therapeutic future applications.

Surgical practice in symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease.

AIMS: To determine the surgical practice in individuals with symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease using a questionnaire survey. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 724 patients with gallstone disease. Details of symptoms, duration of illness, nature of treatment including surgery, color of gallstones retrieved and postoperative follow-up particulars were obtained. RESULTS: The study group included 225 (54%) men; there was a rising trend of prevalence of gallstones in men with increasing age (p<0.05). A third of the patients (142 [34%]) were symptomatic. The mean duration of symptoms was 12.1 months. One hundred and ninety seven patients (48%), including 90 asymptomatic ones, underwent cholecystectomy. Most patients (92.5% of those symptomatic and 76.6% of those asymptomatic) underwent cholecystectomy within one year of diagnosis. Eight asymptomatic patients underwent surgery 3 years or more after diagnosis. The predominant color of stones retrieved was black or brown (57%) or mixed (39%). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with gallstone disease had cholecystectomy within one year of diagnosis. Black or brown pigment stones were the dominant types of gallstones.

Acquired volvulus following Nissen fundoplication.

Nissen fundoplication is the procedure of choice for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. We report a case of acquired gastric volvulus following open fundoplication. The mechanism of formation and correction of the volvulus is discussed.

Predicting the composition of gallstones by infrared spectroscopy.

AIM: To determine the composition of gallstones in South India by comparing visual assessment with graphic interpretation of infrared spectra. METHODS: Infrared spectroscopy (IRS) was used in qualitative analysis of 168 gallstones from Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka and compared with visual interpretation. The spectrum of cholesterol, calcium bilirubinate and calcium carbonate for each stone was correlated with visual inspection. RESULTS: Fifty four percent of gallstones were of pigment variety, 43% were of mixed and the remaining 3% were cholesterol gallstones as categorised by visual interpretation. Based on infrared spectrocopic interpretation the percentages were 58%, 39% and 2% respectively. There was a good agreement between the visual inspection and IRS in classification of gallstones (Kappa value 85%; 95% CI 77-93%). CONCLUSION: Visual inspection of gallstones can predict the composition of gallstone with good accuracy and was comparable to infrared spectroscopic interpretation.