Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Monday, October 1, 2007

Body mass index, alcohol, tobacco and symptomatic gallstone disease: a Swedish twin study
Journal of Internal Medicine (OnlineEarly Articles). 1 October 2007



Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of gallstone disease (GD).

We aimed to examine the association between symptomatic GD and overweight (body mass index, BMI, 25–30 kg m-2), obesity (BMI > 30 kg m-2), alcohol, smoking and smoke-free tobacco by analysing a large twin population.

Consistent with epidemiological studies, we found positive associations between BMI and the development of symptomatic GD. High alcohol consumption was associated with a decreased risk against GD. Tobacco use has no impact on GD.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-Mail: despina.katsika@ki.se

_______________________________________________________