Elevated Serum Low-Density Lipoproteins-Cholesterol Levels and B1B2/B2B2 CETP Genotype Are Positively Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women with Gallstone Disease

Recurrence of gallstones: a comprehensive multivariate analysis of clinical and biochemical risk factors in a large Chinese cohort of 16,763 patients

BACKGROUND

Gallstone disease is common, with a prevalence of 5%-22% in Western countries and 6.3%-12.1% in Chinese adults, increasing with age. Postsurgery recurrence is high and analyzing recurrence factors helps identify high-risk patients and preventive strategies. This study explores the differences in stone types and factors associated with postoperative recurrence.

METHOD

Data from 16,763 patients treated for gallstones at Shandong Third Hospital (2017-2023) were collected. Variables such as age, gender, stone type and size, comorbidities and biochemical results were analyzed using rank sum test, chi-square test, odds ratio (OR) and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 16,763 patients, females were slightly more numerous, with ages predominantly in the 60-74 range. Gallbladder stones were the most common type, with a low recurrence rate. Recurrence was significantly associated with stone size, venous thrombosis, respiratory diseases, and cirrhosis. Different stone types varied in terms of complications, gender, age, and recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Different stone types varied by comorbidities, gender, age, and recurrence, influencing recurrence risk. While the direct effect of stone type on recurrence is unclear, comorbidities play a crucial role. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to improve treatment guidance.

Unlocking Cholesterol Metabolism in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Molecular Targets and Natural Product Interventions

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, represents a growing global health concern. The intricate pathogenesis of MASLD, driven by genetic, metabolic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, leads to considerable clinical variability. Dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, particularly cholesterol homeostasis, is a critical factor in the progression of MASLD and its more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This review elucidates the multifaceted roles of cholesterol metabolism in MASLD, focusing on its absorption, transportation, biosynthesis, efflux, and conversion. We highlight recent advancements in understanding these processes and explore the therapeutic potential of natural products such as curcumin, berberine, and resveratrol in modulating cholesterol metabolism. By targeting key molecular pathways, these natural products offer promising strategies for MASLD management. Finally, this review also covers the clinical studies of natural products in MASLD, providing new insights for future research and clinical applications.

Development of LXR inverse agonists to treat MAFLD, NASH, and other metabolic diseases

Activation of LXR activity by synthetic agonists has been the focus of many drug discovery efforts with a focus on treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Many agonists have been developed, but all have been hindered due to their ability to efficaciously stimulate de novo lipogenesis. Here, we review the development of LXR inverse agonists that were originally optimized for their ability to enable recruitment of corepressors leading to silencing of genes that drive de novo lipogenesis. Such compounds have efficacy in animal models of MAFLD, dyslipidemia, and cancer. Several classes of LXR inverse agonists have been identified and one is now in clinical trials for treatment of severe dyslipidemia.