New study sheds light on link between lipids and gall stones (Low total cholesterol and higher triglycerides = concern)

A study has shed light on the complex relationship between serum lipids, lipid-modifying targets, and cholelithiasis, a common condition characterized by the formation of gallstones. The study employed a combination of observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches to comprehensively assess these associations.

Cholelithiasis is a prevalent hepatobiliary disorder that primarily affects Western populations. It is a significant risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer. Understanding the factors influencing cholelithiasis risk is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Previous research has explored the role of serum lipids and lipid-modifying targets in cholelithiasis development. However, findings have been inconsistent, highlighting the need for further investigation. The current study aimed to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of these relationships.

The study utilized data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biobank resource, to examine the associations between serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides) and cholelithiasis risk. The researchers found that serum LDL-C and HDL-C levels were inversely associated with cholelithiasis risk, indicating that lower LDL-C and higher HDL-C levels were associated with a reduced risk of gallstone formation.

Interestingly, the relationship between serum total cholesterol and cholelithiasis was non-linear, with lower cholesterol levels associated with an increased risk of gallstones. This finding contrasts with conventional wisdom, which suggests that lower cholesterol levels are generally beneficial for health.

The researchers also employed MR, a genetic approach, to investigate the causal effects of serum lipids and lipid-modifying targets on cholelithiasis risk. MR utilizes genetic variants as proxies for specific risk factors, allowing for assessing causal relationships without the confounding effects of lifestyle and environmental factors.

MR analyses supported the observational findings, confirming that lower serum total cholesterol and higher triglyceride levels were independent causal risk factors for cholelithiasis.

one of the guy’s contention is that you need the higher levels of ldl to carry vitamins k,d,a.

So I googled this question: does ldl cholesterol carry vitamin a, vitamin d,and vitamin k on its surface:

No, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol does not carry vitamins A, D, or K on its surface. LDL is primarily responsible for transporting cholesterol and other lipids (fats) from the liver to cells throughout the body. Vitamins A, D, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, which means they require fat for absorption and transport in the body, but they do not specifically bind to LDL cholesterol.
Instead, these fat-soluble vitamins are transported in the bloodstream by specialized carriers. For example:
1. Vitamin A: Retinol-binding protein (RBP) is a carrier protein that binds to vitamin A (retinol) and transports it in the bloodstream.
2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is transported by a protein called vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) or serum albumin.
3. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is carried by lipoproteins, such as chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), rather than LDL.
These carrier proteins and lipoproteins help ensure that fat-soluble vitamins are transported efficiently to their target tissues and organs, where they can be utilized for various physiological processes. LDL primarily carries cholesterol, which is an essential component of cell membranes and is used in the synthesis of hormones and other molecules.

one of the guy’s contention is that you need the higher levels of ldl to carry vitamins k,d,a.

So I googled this question: does ldl cholesterol carry vitamin a, vitamin d,and vitamin k on its surface:

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