Association between oxidative balance score and gallstone risk and gallbladder surgery: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo examine the association between oxidative balance score and the risks of gallstones and gallbladder surgery in US adults, addressing the lack of reliable oxidative stress-related indicators for gallstone prediction.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and smoothed curve fitting models were applied to investigate the relationship between oxidative balance scores and gallstone outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, race, and health conditions.ResultsHigher oxidative balance score was significantly associated with lower risks of gallstones and gallbladder surgery. Each 1-unit increase in the oxidative balance score corresponded to a 2.6% reduction in gallstone risk (odds ratio = 0.974; 95% confidence interval: 0.958, 0.990) and a 3.3% reduction in gallbladder surgery risk (odds ratio = 0.967; 95% confidence interval: 0.950, 0.983). Subgroup and dose-response analyses confirmed these consistent, negative associations.ConclusionsHigher oxidative balance score is independently associated with a reduced prevalence of gallstones and gallbladder surgery. Furthermore, maintaining a higher antioxidant status may play a role in the management of gallstone disease risk.