Factors Influencing Gallstone Formation: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Gallstone disease is a common pathology of the digestive system with nearly a 10–20% incidence rate among adults. The mainstay of treatment is cholecystectomy, which is commonly associated with physical pain and may also seriously affect a patient’s quality of life. Clinical research suggests that cholelithiasis is closely related to the age, gender, body mass index, and other basic physical characteristics of patients. Clinical research further suggests that the occurrence of cholelithiasis is related to obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and other diseases. For this reason, we reviewed the following: genetic factors; excessive liver cholesterol secretion (causing cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile); accelerated growth of cholesterol crystals and solid cholesterol crystals; gallbladder motility impairment; and cardiovascular factors. Herein, we summarize and analyze the causes and mechanisms of cholelithiasis, discuss its correlation with the pathogenesis of related diseases, and discuss possible mechanisms.

Gallstone disease and the risk of cardiac mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome

“…Thirdly, from a basic pathophysiological perspective, in gallstone patients, Abcg5/g8 may be elevated expression by the role of gut microbiota or genetic variation ( 18 – 20 ). As mentioned above, abnormally elevated expression of Abcg5/g8 can reduce cholesterol concentration in blood by transporting more cholesterol to the intestine and bile ( 21 ). At the same time, Niemann–Pick C1-Like Protein1, a transmembrane protein highly expressed in the intestinal tract in gallstone patients, could reduce the intestinal cholesterol uptake ( 22 ).…”

The Etiology of Cholelithiasis in Children and Adolescents—A Literature Review

“…Lithogenic genes 1 and 2 ( Lith1 and Lith2 ), playing a role in liver cholesterol secretion and regulating bile flow, have been described in murine models. Their human counterparts are ABCG5 and ABCG8 [ 17 ]. A recent study of 214 children with cholelithiasis showed the presence of the lithogenic ABCG8 allele p.D19H in 14.9% of children, which was more frequently reported compared to children and adults without gallstones.…”

“…Members of the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide (OATP) family are responsible for the uptake of unconjugated or sulfated bile acids. Enterohepatic circulation provides approximately 95% of bile acid return [ 16 , 17 ].…”

“…In the human body, cholesterol synthesis equals its secretion as bile acid. However, it may be disturbed by food intake and diseases [ 17 ]. The state of homeostasis is regulated by the expression of genes responsible for cholesterol transport and metabolism, transcription factors, and posttranscriptional regulatory circuits.…”

Research progress on the immune microenvironment of the gallbladder in patients with cholesterol gallstones

“…In addition to these two mechanisms, there are other factors that contribute to the formation of cholesterol gallstones, such as genetic factors and gallbladder dyskinesia[ 49 ]. Indigenous populations in North and South America are reported to be at highest risk of gallstones in the world.…”