Gallstones May Be the First Sign of Fatty Liver Disease

How Are Gallstones Connected to MASLD and MASH?

Gallstones are hard "pebbles" made of cholesterol or bilirubin that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile to help digestion. While they can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball, they’re usually small and pass without causing pain or blockages.

Research has found a strong association between gallstones and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Studies suggest that people with gallstones may also be more likely to have an underlying problem with their liver.

How to Reduce Your Risk of MASLD and Gallstones

Reducing risk factors like insulin sensitivity and obesity is the best preventative care for MASLD. According to Pratima Dibba, MD, reducing the risk of gallstones and liver disease requires addressing the underlying metabolic issues.

Common Risk Factors

Conditions like insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are key culprits that increase the risk of both gallstones and liver disease. As these metabolic issues interfere with how the body processes fat, they can cause changes in the gallbladder and fat accumulation in the liver, possibly triggering the development of gallstones and fatty liver disease.

Conclusion

Gallstones and metabolic liver diseases, including MASLD and its more severe form, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), share a connection in metabolic dysfunction. Reducing risk factors like insulin sensitivity and obesity is crucial to preventing these conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the connection between gallstones and MASLD?
  Gallstones and MASLD share a connection in metabolic dysfunction.
• How can I reduce my risk of gallstones and liver disease?
  Reducing risk factors like insulin sensitivity and obesity is the best preventative care for MASLD.
• What are some common risk factors for gallstones and liver disease?
  Conditions like insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are key culprits that increase the risk of both gallstones and liver disease.

Sources:

1. Jung, I., Koo, D. J., & Lee, W. Y. (2024). Insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Clinical and experimental perspective. Diabetes Metab J, 48(3), 327-339. doi: 10.4093/DMJ.2023.0350
2. Harris, R., Card, T. R., Delahooke, T., Aithal, G. P., & Guha, I. N. (2019). Obesity is the most common risk factor for chronic liver disease: Results from a risk stratification pathway using transient elastography. Am J Gastroenterol, 114(11), 1744-1752. doi: 10.14309/AJG.00000000000357
3. Cetin, E. G., Demir, N., & You, I. (2020). The relationship between insulin resistance and liver damage in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients. Find Type Type Foggy Etfal Patient, 54(4), 411-415. doi: 10.14744/Semb.2018.83604
   … (and other sources)