# A lower LDL-c/ApoB ratio is associated with an increased prevalence of gallstones in the regional Chinese adult population, according to a retrospective, propensity-matched analysis

## TL;DR

A lower LDL-c/ApoB ratio is linked to a higher chance of gallstones in Chinese adults, based on a study of over 800 people.

## Contribution

This study identifies a negative association between LDL-c/ApoB ratio and gallstone prevalence in a Chinese population using propensity-matched analysis.

## Key findings

- LAR was negatively associated with gallstone prevalence (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.95).
- Propensity-matched analysis confirmed the negative association (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.98).
- A linear negative correlation was observed between LAR and gallstone prevalence.

## Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the LDL-c/ApoB ratio (LAR) and the prevalence of gallstones in regional Chinese adults.

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving patients with gallstones who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from March 2021 to September 2023, as well as e-cases from our medical check-up center during the same period. Participants were divided into gallstone and non-gallstone groups. Data on routine blood and biochemical tests, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus history were collected. The differences between the two groups were analyzed using the chi-square test or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and propensity-matched analysis were performed to assess the relationship between LAR and the prevalence of gallstones.

The study included 801 participants aged over 18 years, of whom 259 had gallstones. After adjusting for relevant confounders, LAR was found to be negatively associated with gallstone prevalence (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.95). Propensity-matched analyses confirmed that an elevated LAR remained negatively associated with gallstone prevalence (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.98). The dose-response curve indicated a linear negative correlation between LAR and gallstone prevalence.

LAR is negatively associated with the prevalence of gallstones. Although a causal relationship cannot be established, these findings may provide preliminary insights for gallstone prediction in regional Chinese adult populations.