Screen-detected gallstone disease and risk of liver and pancreatic cancer: The Kailuan Cohort Study

Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.

Cardiometabolic index as a predictor of gallstone incidence in U.S. adults: insights from NHANES 2017-2020

BACKGROUND

Gallstone disease (GSD) is associated with obesity. The Cardiometabolic Index (CMI), a metric that accurately assesses central adiposity and visceral fat, has not been extensively studied in relation to GSD risk. This study investigates the link between CMI and GSD incidence in U.S. adults.

METHODS

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)(2017-2020) to assess the association between CMI and GSD, adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, race, chronic diseases, and lifestyle factors. Multivariable logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were employed. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and advanced curve fitting techniques were used to explore potential non-linear relationships, with threshold effects determined via piecewise linear regression if such relationships were identified. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated and compared the predictive performance of CMI, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC), establishing optimal cutoff values along with their sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

This study included 3,706 participants, of whom 10.6% (392) had GSD. Participants with GSD showed significantly higher CMI values (0.57 vs. 0.44, P = 0.0002). The GSD group included more females and older adults, with increased risks for hypertension, diabetes, higher serum cholesterol and creatinine levels, and a higher risk of cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher CMI was significantly associated with greater GSD incidence (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02-1.38, P < 0.0001). The ROC curve demonstrated superior predictive performance (AUC = 0.778), outperforming conventional metrics like BMI and WC. GAM analysis indicated a non-linear positive correlation between CMI and GSD, with an optimal threshold of 0.996. Subgroup analysis found the strongest association among females, individuals aged 20-39, non-Hispanic Whites, those without a history of coronary heart disease, and alcohol consumers.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a nonlinear positive correlation between the CMI and the incidence of GSD among U.S. adults, with a threshold value of 0.996. Despite limitations in sample size that constrained the analysis of a fully adjusted model, after adjusting for confounding factors, the AUC for predicting GSD using CMI reached 0.778, surpassing traditional metrics. These findings underscore the importance of CMI as a critical risk factor and emphasize the necessity of targeted interventions for high-risk populations.

Association between ZJU index and gallstones in US adult: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2017-2020

BACKGROUND

Based on triglyceride, body mass index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase/ aspartate aminotransferase ratio, fasting blood glucose, the ZJU index is proven to be a novel and effective parameter for screening NAFLD in Chinese. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between ZJU values and the risk of developing gallstones.

METHODS

The data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database during the period from 2017 to 2020 were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. And 6155 participants were included to assess the correlation between the ZJU index and the formation of gallstones through multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) analyses.

RESULTS

In this population-based study, 6155 participants aged 18 years and older were included, among which, 671 had gallstones. Logistic regression and RCS regression analyses indicated a significant positive non-linearly correlation between the ZJU index and the prevalence of gallstones (OR = 1.044, 95% CI: 1.032, 1.056), with an inflection point of 40.6. Subgroup analysis further revealed a stronger correlation between the risk of developing gallstones and the ZJU index in females. ROC analysis indicated that the ZJU index (AUC = 0.653) can serve as a more robust predictor for developing gallstones compared to traditional indices, with a sensitivity of 55.9%, a specificity of 67.1% and a cutoff of 43.4.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that elevated the ZJU index is correlated with an increased risk of developing gallstones.

Association between circadian syndrome and gallstones in US adult: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2017-2020

BACKGROUND

The circadian syndrome is linked with chronic diseases such as stroke, kidney stones, and overactive bladder. However, the relationship between circadian syndrome and gallstones is poorly understood. In this study, we aim to investigate whether circadian syndrome is associated with gallstones in a population-based study.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning from 2017 to 2020, a cross-sectional study with 2913 participants was performed to assess the relationship between circadian syndrome and gallstones. Univariate and two adjusted multivariate regression models were used to examine the connection between circadian syndrome and gallstones incidence. Smoothed curve fitting using the generalized additive model (GAM) was used to describe the nonlinear relationship. Subgroup analyses were also performed to investigate potential variations in the relationship between circadian syndrome and the risk of developing gallstones.

RESULT

The findings indicated a positive association of circadian syndrome with gallstones, with model 2 showing a 117% increase in risk (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.43, 3.29). In model 3, the incidence of gallstones increased by 76% (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 0.91, 3.43). However, there was no significant relationship between the number of circadian syndrome components and the risk of gallstones. Smooth curve fitting based on the GAM further demonstrated linear relationships between CircS and the risk of gallstones. Subgroup analyses further demonstrated statistically significant associations between circadian syndrome and the prevalence of gallstones among individuals who were non-smokers.

CONCLUSION

Circadian syndrome was positively associated with the prevalence of gallstones, particularly among non-smoking participants.

Associations between novel anthropometric indices and the prevalence of gallstones among 6,848 adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

Traditional anthropometric measures, including body mass index (BMI), are insufficient for evaluating gallstone risk. This study investigated the association between novel anthropometric indices and gallstone risk among 6,848 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States.

Methods

Measures calculated included weight (WT), BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), conicity index (CI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Weight-adjusted Waist Index (WWI). Logistic regression and smooth curve fitting assessed the relationships between these indices and gallstones, complemented by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate their discriminative power.

Results

The results indicated significant differences between study groups, with a positive and independent correlation identified between gallstones and all measures except ABSI. Specifically, per 1 SD increase in WC, WT, BMI, WtHR, and AVI was associated with a 57%, 59%, 52%, 53%, and 53% increased risk of gallstones, respectively. Dose-response analysis confirmed a positive correlation between these indices and gallstone risk. ROC analysis highlighted WtHR and BRI as having superior discriminative abilities (AUC = 0.6703). Further, among participants with a BMI < 30 kg/m2, elevated levels of WT, WtHR, CI, BRI, and WWI significantly increased the risk of gallstones (P < 0.001). Likewise, elevated BMI heightened the risk at low levels of WT, WC, WtHR, BRI, AVI, and CI (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study supports the positive association between various anthropometric indicators and gallstones, recommending that newer anthropometric indices be considered more extensively to enhance gallstone prevention and treatment strategies.

Cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus

Background

Cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy may contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) through bile reflux; however, current observational studies yield inconsistent findings. We utilized a novel approach combining meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, to assess the association between them.

Methods

The literature search was done using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, up to 3 November 2023. A meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the correlations between cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy, and the risk factors for GERD, BE, and EACwas conducted. In addition, the MR analysis was employed to assess the causative impact of genetic pre-disposition for cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy on these esophageal diseases.

Results

The results of the meta-analysis indicated that cholelithiasis was significantly linked to an elevated risk in the incidence of BE (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.37-2.29; p < 0.001) and cholecystectomy was a risk factor for GERD (RR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.09-1.72; p = 0.008). We observed significant genetic associations between cholelithiasis and both GERD (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32; p < 0.001), and a correlation between cholecystectomy and both GERD (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.19; p < 0.001). After adjusting for common risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI in multivariate analysis, the risk of GERD and BE still persisted.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that both cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy elevate the risk of GERD and BE. However, there is no observed increase in the risk of EAC, despite GERD and BE being the primary pathophysiological pathways leading to EAC. Therefore, patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy should be vigilant regarding esophageal symptoms; however, invasive EAC cytology may not be necessary.

Longitudinal Study of Comorbidities and Clinical Outcomes in Persons with Gallstone Disease Using Electronic Health Records

BACKGROUND

Gallstone disease (GSD) is common and leads to significant morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization in the USA. We examined comorbidities and clinical outcomes among persons with GSD using electronic health records (EHR).

METHODS

In this retrospective study of 1,381,004 adults, GSD was defined by ICD-9 code 574 or ICD-10 code K80 using Optum® longitudinal EHR from January 2007 to March 2021. We obtained diagnosis, procedure, prescription, and vital sign records and evaluated associations between demographics, comorbidities, and medications with cholecystectomy, digestive cancers, and mortality.

RESULTS

Among persons with GSD, 30% had a cholecystectomy and were more likely to be women, White, and younger, and less likely to have comorbidities, except for obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abdominal pain, hyperlipidemia, and pancreatitis. Among persons with GSD, 2.2% had a non-colorectal digestive cancer diagnosis during follow-up and risk was 40% lower among persons with a cholecystectomy. Non-colorectal digestive cancer predictors included older age, male sex, non-White race-ethnicity, lower BMI, other cancers, diabetes, chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, GERD, and abdominal pain. Among persons with GSD, mortality was 15.1% compared with 9.7% for the whole EHR sample. Persons with a cholecystectomy had 40% lower mortality risk and mortality predictors included older age, male sex, Black race, lower BMI, and most comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

In this EHR analysis of persons with GSD, 30% had a cholecystectomy. Mortality was higher compared with the whole EHR sample. Persons with cholecystectomy were less likely to have non-colorectal digestive cancer or to die.

Predicted lean body mass trajectories, and cancer risk and cancer-specific and all-cause mortality: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although many studies have investigated the association between body composition, cancer risk and mortality, predicting these risks through a single body composition measurement undoubtedly increases the limitations of the study. Few studies have explored the association between the trajectory of changes in body composition and the risk of cancer and death. We aimed to explore the association of predicted lean mass trajectories with cancer risk, cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

The participants in this study were all from the Kailuan cohort, a prospective, periodic, resurvey cohort study initiated in 2006. Latent mixture modelling was used to identify predicted lean mass trajectories for 2006-2010. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the Cox proportional hazard models were used to describe the association between predicted lean mass trajectories and cancer risk and cancer-specific and all-cause mortality during follow-up (2010-2021).

RESULTS

A total of 44 374 participants (average age, 53.01 ± 11.41 years, 78.99% men and 21.01% women) were enrolled in this study. Five distinct trajectories were identified: low-stable (n = 12 060), low-increasing (n = 8027), moderately stable-decreasing (n = 4725), moderately stable-increasing (n = 8053) and high-stable (n = 11 509). During the 11-year follow-up period, 2183 cancer events were recorded. After adjusting for age, predicted fat mass in 2010, sex, BMI, sedentary, physical activity, smoke, alcohol use, salt consumption, high-fat diet, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum creatinine, family history of tumour, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, compared with the low-stable group, participants in the low-increasing group (HR = 0.851, 95% CI, 0.748-0.969), moderately stable-increasing group (HR = 0.803, 95% CI, 0.697-0.925) and high-stable group (HR = 0.770, 95% CI, 0.659-0.901) had a lower cancer risk, but not in the moderately stable-decreasing group (HR = 0.864, 95% CI, 0.735-1.015). Compared with the low-stable group, the risk of cancer-specific mortality was reduced by 25.4% (8.8-38.9%), 36.5% (20.3-49.4%) and 35.4% (17.9-49.2%), and the risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 24.2% (16.9-30.8%), 37.0% (30.0-43.2%) and 47.4% (41.0-53.1%) in the low-increasing, moderately stable-increasing group and high-stable groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Predicted lean mass trajectories may be closely associated with cancer risk and cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Regular monitoring of body composition is necessary.

Gallstones, cholecystectomy and the risk of pancreatic cancer: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

The effect of gallstones and cholecystectomy on the development of pancreatic cancer has recently prompted many population-based studies. However, the results are controversial. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the causality among gallstones, cholecystectomy and pancreatic cancer. Cohort studies published in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to May 2023 were retrieved. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed using a random-effects model. We screened 1391 articles and included 16 studies. Gallstones were not associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer ( P  = 0.082), with only the Asian population ( P  = 0.011) showing an increased risk in the subgroup analysis. A markedly higher risk of pancreatic cancer was observed among patients with cholecystectomy (RR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07-1.41; P  = 0.004; I 2  = 74.4%). The association remained significant in the Asian population ( P  = 0.004), in the subgroup analyses stratified by sex, lag period, and time interval since cholecystectomy, and when the models were adjusted for diabetes, smoking, and BMI. Interestingly, cholecystectomy due to gallstones (RR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14-1.48; P  < 0.001; I 2  = 30.8%), rather than for unspecified reasons ( P  = 0.116), markedly increased the risk of pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, cholecystectomy due to gallstones, rather than gallstone formation, conferred an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. There was a higher risk for the Asian population for both gallstones and cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy and risk of liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 million individuals

BACKGROUND

There is still a lack of knowledge on the association between cholecystectomy and liver disease. This study was conducted to summarize the available evidence on the association of cholecystectomy with liver disease and quantify the magnitude of the risk of liver disease after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically from database inception to January 2023 to identify eligible studies that evaluated the association between cholecystectomy and the risk of liver disease. Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain a summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We identified 20 studies with a total of 27 320 709 individuals and 282 670 liver disease cases. Cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of liver disease (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.34-1.98). In particular, cholecystectomy was found to be significantly associated with a 54% increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.18-2.01), a 173% increased risk of cirrhosis (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.81-4.12), and a 46% increased risk of primary liver cancer (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.82).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an association between cholecystectomy and the risk of liver disease. Our results suggest that strict surgical indications should be implemented to reduce unnecessary cholecystectomy. Additionally, the routine assessment of liver disease is necessary for patients with a history of cholecystectomy. More prospective large-sample studies are required for better estimates of the risk.

Association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity and gallstones in Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome and obesity are risk factors for gallstones. However, these two factors often occur together, and few studies have focused on the association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHOW/MHO) and gallstones. We hypothesized that MHO individuals would be associated with the prevalence of gallstones.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 125,668 participants aged 18-80 years at the Health Promotion Center of Run Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during 2017-2019 years. Each participant underwent a comprehensive health checkup. Gallstones were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Metabolically health was defined as not meeting the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Obesity was measured by BMI. MetS and weight stratification were combined to classify the metabolism-obesity phenotypes. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Among 125,668 participants, 5486 (4.4%) had gallstones. 21407 (17.0%) were MHOW individuals, and 3322 (2.6%) were MHO individuals. MHOW (OR 1.40; 95%CI: 1.29-1.53) and MHO (OR 1.80; 95%CI: 1.53-2.12) participants were at higher risk of gallstones and had larger and more numerous gallstones than metabolically healthy normal weight participants. Obesity, MetS, premenopausal women and advanced age were significantly associated with the prevalence of gallstones.

CONCLUSIONS

MHOW/MHO individuals exhibited a higher risk of gallstones. In metabolically healthy individuals, the risk of gallstones increased with increasing BMI. Thus, obesity was associated with the prevalence of gallstones, even in relatively metabolically healthy adults.

Gallstones and risk of cancers of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas: a prospective study within two U.S. cohorts

BACKGROUND

Gallstones may result in inflammation, altered bile flow, and changes in metabolic hormone levels, thereby increasing cancer risk. However, previous studies for gallstones and cancers of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas in the U.S. were relatively limited.

METHODS

We followed 115,036 women from the Nurses' Health Study (1982-2012) and 49,729 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2012). History of gallstones, including with or without performed cholecystectomy, was reported at baseline and updated through biennial questionnaires. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

During up to 30-year follow-up, we identified 204 incidents of liver cancer, 225 biliary tract cancer and 1147 pancreatic cancer cases. Compared to those without gallstones diagnosis, the multivariable HRs for individuals with gallstones (untreated or with cholecystectomy) were 1.60 for liver cancer (95% CI: 1.14-2.26), 4.79 for biliary tract cancer (95% CI: 3.02-7.58), and 1.13 for pancreatic cancer (95% CI: 0.96-1.32). The multivariable HRs for individuals with cholecystectomy were 1.33 for liver cancer (95% CI: 0.90-1.95) and 1.15 for pancreatic cancer (95% CI: 0.98-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Gallstones were associated with a higher risk of cancers of the liver, biliary tract and possibly pancreas.

Association of Visit-to-Visit Variability in Fasting Plasma Glucose with Digestive Cancer Risk

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between visit-to-visit variability in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the risk of digestive cancers among individuals with and without diabetes.

METHODS

Using data from Kailuan cohort, a prospective population-based study, individuals who had at least two measurements of FPG between 2006 and 2012 without prior cancer were included in this study. Four indexes of variability were used, including standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and average successive variability (ARV). Cox regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the quartiles of FPG variability and digestive cancers.

RESULTS

A total of 98,161 individuals were studied. Over a mean follow-up of 9.32 ± 0.81 years, 1103 individuals developed incident digestive cancer (1.21 per 1000 person-years). Compared to the individuals in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of FPG variability by SD had 38.7% higher risk of developing overall digestive cancers after adjusting for the significant confounders (hazard ratio, 1.387; 95% confidence interval, 1.160-1.659; P = 0.0003). Higher FPG variability was associated with significantly higher risks of colorectal cancer (fully adjusted HR 1.432, 95% CI [1.073-1.912], P = 0.015) and pancreatic cancer (fully adjusted HR 2.105, 95% CI [1.024-4.329], P = 0.043), but not liver cancer (fully adjusted HR 1.427, 95% CI [0.973-2.092], P = 0.069) or esophageal and gastric cancer (fully adjusted HR 1.139, 95% CI [0.776-1.670], P = 0.506). Subgroup analyses showed that individuals who were younger (<65 years), male, and those without diabetes experienced a predominantly higher risk of developing digestive cancers. Similar results were observed when using CV, VIM, and ARV.

CONCLUSIONS

FPG variability was significantly associated with increasing risk of digestive cancers, especially for pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Our study suggested a potential role of FPG variability in risk stratification of digestive cancers. Approaches that reduce FPG variability may lower the risks of incident digestive cancers among the general population. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.

Sequestration of Intestinal Acidic Toxins by Cationic Resin Attenuates Pancreatic Cancer Progression through Promoting Autophagic Flux for YAP Degradation

Pancreatic cancer is driven by risk factors such as diabetes and chronic pancreatic injury, which are further associated with gut dysbiosis. Intestinal toxins such as bile acids and bacterial endotoxin (LPS), in excess and persistence, can provoke chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. Of interest is that many intestinal toxins are negatively charged acidic components in essence, which prompted us to test whether oral administration of cationic resin can deplete intestinal toxins and ameliorate pancreatic cancer. Here, we found that increased plasma levels of endotoxin and bile acids in Pdx1-Cre: LSL-KrasG12D/+ mice were associated with the transformation of the pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) state. Common bile-duct-ligation or LPS injection impeded autolysosomal flux, leading to Yap accumulation and malignant transformation. Conversely, oral administration of cholestyramine to sequestrate intestinal endotoxin and bile acids resumed autolysosomal flux for Yap degradation and attenuated metastatic incidence. Conversely, chloroquine treatment impaired autolysosomal flux and exacerbated malignance, showing jeopardization of p62/ Sqxtm1 turnover, leading to Yap accumulation, which is also consistent with overexpression of cystatin A (CSTA) in situ with pancreatic cancer cells and metastatic tumor. At cellular levels, chenodeoxycholic acid or LPS treatment activated the ligand-receptor-mediated AKT-mTOR pathway, resulting in autophagy-lysosomal stress for YAP accumulation and cellular dissemination. Thus, this work indicates a potential new strategy for intervention of pancreatic metastasis through sequestration of intestinal acidic toxins by oral administration of cationic resins.

Gallstones, Body Mass Index, C-Reactive Protein, and Gallbladder Cancer: Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Chilean and European Genotype Data

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a neglected disease with substantial geographical variability: Chile shows the highest incidence worldwide, while GBC is relatively rare in Europe. Here, we investigate the causal effects of risk factors considered in current GBC prevention programs as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) level as a marker of chronic inflammation.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using publicly available data and our own data from a retrospective Chilean and a prospective European study. Causality was assessed by inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimates complemented with sensitivity analyses on potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy, two-step MR, and mediation analysis. We found evidence for a causal effect of gallstone disease on GBC risk in Chileans (P = 9 × 10-5 ) and Europeans (P = 9 × 10-5 ). A genetically elevated body mass index (BMI) increased GBC risk in Chileans (P = 0.03), while higher CRP concentrations increased GBC risk in Europeans (P = 4.1 × 10-6 ). European results suggest causal effects of BMI on gallstone disease (P = 0.008); public Chilean data were not, however, available to enable assessment of the mediation effects among causal GBC risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Two risk factors considered in the current Chilean program for GBC prevention are causally linked to GBC risk: gallstones and BMI. For Europeans, BMI showed a causal effect on gallstone risk, which was itself causally linked to GBC risk.

Bidirectional and dynamic interaction between the microbiota and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies and is known for its high resistance and low response to treatment. Cancer treatments can reshape the microbiota and in turn, the microbiota influences the therapeutic efficacy by regulating immune response and metabolism. This crosstalk is bidirectional, heterogeneous, and dynamic. In this review, we elaborated on the interactions between the microbiota and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Regulating the microbiota in pancreatic tumor microenvironment may not only generate direct anti-cancer but also synergistic effects with other treatments, providing new directions in cancer therapy.