Higher TyG Index Linked to Increased Gallstone Risk, Study Finds

The research indicates that individuals with elevated TyG index values are more likely to develop gallstones, highlighting its potential utility in identifying those at greater risk for this condition. By incorporating TyG index measurements into routine health assessments, healthcare providers could improve early detection and preventive strategies for gallstones.

Gallstones, which are hardened deposits in the gallbladder, can lead to severe abdominal pain and complications if left untreated. While factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels have long been known to increase the risk of gallstones, the role of the triglyceride-glucose index has not been thoroughly investigated until now.

To fill this knowledge gap, Hongliang Li & Congfeng Zhang from Dandong Central Hospital in Dandong, China, aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and gallstones using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

For this purpose, they evaluated the data collected between 2017 to 2020. To assess the relationship between the TyG index and gallstones, the study employed logistic regression analysis, examined participants' basic characteristics, performed subgroup analysis, and applied smooth curve fitting techniques. The research included 3,870 participants aged 20 and older, among whom 403 reported having gallstones, resulting in a prevalence rate of 10.4%.

The following were the key findings of the study:

• After adjusting for all confounding factors, the risk of gallstones increased by 41% for each unit increase in the TyG index (OR 1.41).
• The smooth curve fitting also showed a positive correlation between the TyG index and gallstones.
• Subgroup analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the TyG index and the risk of gallstones in those aged < 50 years, women, individuals with total cholesterol levels > 200 mg/dL, individuals with body mass index (BMI) > 25, and individuals without diabetes.

The findings showed a significant correlation between a higher TyG index and an increased risk of gallstones. This association was particularly notable in the following subgroups: individuals under 50 years, women, those with total cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL, individuals with a BMI over 25, and those without diabetes. Consequently, the TyG index may serve as an effective predictor of gallstone risk in these populations.

The NHANES study used a representative sample and a robust research strategy, but it has limitations. Cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, questionnaire data may involve memory bias and imaging practices might affect gallstone detection.

"Despite these, the study is the first to link the TyG index to gallstones, warranting further investigation through a multicenter cohort study," the researchers wrote.

Reference:

Li, H., & Zhang, C. (2024). Association between triglyceride-glucose index and gallstones: A cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68841-6