Abstract:Objective To investigate the mechanism of Danning tablets in the prevention of cholesterol lithogenesis. Methods A rapid method for detection of anti-nucleating factor osteopontin (OPN) was established. OPN concentrations were detected in serum and bile of the normal group, cholesterol-gallstone group and pigmental-gallstone group. Another group of cholesterol-gallstone patients (n = 60) were randomly divided into Danning group, sodium cholate group and control group; and the changes of OPN in serum and bile were observed using ELISA kits. Results The concentrations of OPN in serum and bile in the cholesterol-gallstone patients were significantly higher than those in the pigmental-gallstone and normal groups (P < 0.05). After treatment with Danning tablets for 2 weeks, the serum and bile OPN concentrations significantly increased in the cholesterol-gallstone patients (P < 0.05); but this increase was not found in the other two groups. Conclusions Danning tablets can raise the concentrations of anti-nucleating factor OPN in serum and bile, thereby reduce the risk of cholesterol gallstone formation.