Cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD) affects 10–15% of the adult
population worldwide and the prevalence increases as a result of longer life
expectancy as well as rising obesity in the general population. Beside well
established CGD risk factors including environmental and genetic determinants
(LITH genes), a correlation between thyroid dysfunction and CGD has
been suggested in several human and murine studies. Although the precise
underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, thyroid hormones may impact bile
flow, bile composition and the maintenance of the enterohepatic circulation.
Further there is evidence that thyroid hormones possibly impact LITH
genes which are regulated by nuclear receptors (NRs). A better understanding of
the CGD pathomechanisms might contribute to personalized prevention and therapy
of highly prevalent and economically significant digestive disease. This review
presents the current knowledge about the association between CGD and thyroid
hormone dysfunction.
Key words
bile - cholesterol gallstone disease - detoxification - enterohepatic circulation - lipid homeostasis -
LITH genes - nuclear receptors - thyroid dysfunction - thyroid hormone