Background/Aims:Cholelithiasis is a common disorder in north-eastern Germany. Analyses of risk factors for gallstone formation in this population may have high explanatory power. Gender-specific risk factors for gallstone formation and their interactions were investigated by using data of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Methods:Data of 4,202 persons aged 20–79 years were available. Cholelithiasis was defined by either a prior history of cholecystectomy or the presence of gallstones on abdominal ultrasound. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for gallstone formation. Results:There were 468 persons (11.1%) with previous cholecystectomy and 423 persons (10.1%) with sonographic evidence of gallstones. Women had a twofold higher risk for cholelithiasis compared to men. Age, body mass index and low serum HDL cholesterol levels were independently associated with cholelithiasis in both men and women. In the male population, low alcohol and high coffee consumption and in the female population, low physical activity, were further independently related to gallstone formation. Additionally, sex-specific interactions between risk factors were found. Conclusions: Female sex, age and being overweight are major risk factors for gallstone formation in this region where cholelithiasis is a frequent disorder. Additional factors and interactions contribute to a gender-specific gallstone risk.

AIM:Although an association between hepatic steatosis and vascular risk factors has been described, direct relationships between fatty liver and atherosclerosis have not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study has been to investigate those relationships. METHODS:The Study of Health in Pomerania examined a random population sample aged between 20 and 79 years. A study population of 4 222 subjects without hepatitis B and C infections and without liver cirrhosis was available for the present analysis. Hepatic steatosis was defined sonographically and intima-media thickness (IMT) as well as plaque prevalence were estimated by carotid ultrasound. RESULTS:The prevalence rate of hepatic steatosis was 29.9%. Among subjects aged ≥45 years, an association between hepatic steatosis and IMT of the carotid arteries was found in bivariate analysis, but not after adjustment for atherosclerotic risk factors. Individuals with fatty liver had more often carotid plaques than persons without fatty liver (plaque prevalence rate 76.8% vs 66.6%; P<0.001).This association persisted after adjustment for confounding factors and was predominantly present in subjects with no to mild alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION:There is an independent association between hepatic steatosis and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Metabolic changes due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may explain this relationship. World

Background-An unequivocal diagnosis of myocarditis and cardiac virus persistence is based on histological, immunohistological, and molecular biological analyses of endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs