Lipid metabolism and gallstone disease risk: a multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Metabolic disorders
• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Gallstone disease (GSD) is a prevalent condition with complex risk factors.
• Understanding the role of lipid metabolism in GSD pathogenesis is crucial for effective prevention.
• Existing research shows potential links between lipids and GSD, but comprehensive analysis is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between nine key lipid parameters and the risk of gallstone disease (GSD).
• To explore population-specific effects through stratified analyses by age and sex.
• To provide a novel perspective for GSD risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, multicenter cross-sectional study involving 580,935 participants.
• Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounding covariates.
• Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) were employed to ensure robustness and conclusive findings.

Main Results:

• Negative associations were found between GSD risk and total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C.
• Positive associations were observed between GSD risk and Castelli risk indices, atherogenic coefficient, and atherogenic index of plasma.
• Stratified analyses indicated distinct lipid-gallstone associations in individuals with cholecystectomy versus gallbladder stones.

Conclusions:

• Significant associations exist between lipid metabolism and GSD risk.
• Blood lipid profiles demonstrate differential relationships with cholecystectomy and gallstones.
• Findings enhance understanding of lipid-GSD links and inform risk assessment and prevention.