The association between metabolic syndrome and gallstone disease: A cross-sectional study from the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study

Abstract

Background

There has been a concerning increase in the occurrence of gallstone diseases (GSDs) among individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigated the association between MetS and GSDs and related risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 10,520 participants from the prospective epidemiological research studies of the Iranian adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (PGCS) population. Demographic and clinical characteristics, anthropometric parameters, and laboratory findings were collected. National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (NCEP-ATP III) were used to diagnose the MetS. All data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, and a significant level was considered <0.05.

Results

The prevalence of MetS was 41.8 %, with higher rates in females (56.3 %) than males (25.0 %). Also, GSD prevalence was 2.06 %. Abdominal obesity and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly associated with GSDs (P < 0.05). The presence of MetS increased GSD odds by 47 % (P=0.010). A trend of increasing GSD prevalence with the number of MetS components illustrated a significant relationship ranging from 0.56 % (no components) to 3.60 % (all components) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings demonstrated that MetS was significantly associated with increased risk of GSDs, of which higher body mass index (BMI), greater waist circumference, and lower HDL level were the most associated risk factors.