Physical Activity and the Biliary Tract in Health and Disease

Abstract

Although there remains a need for further research, regular physical activity seems likely to reduce the risk of both gallstones and gallbladder cancer. A substantial number of individuals must be persuaded to exercise in order to avoid one case of gallbladder disease, but the attempt appears warranted because of the other health benefits of regular physical activity.

Exercising the hepatobiliary‐gut axis. The impact of physical activity performance

“…144 Also in women, vigorous exercise is associated with a decreased rate of cholecystectomy, 145 an additional potential risk factor for NAFLD. 149 The intensity response seems however to be stronger for vigorous vs nonvigorous physical activity in gallbladder disease. 147 Performance of vigorous physical activity has been inversely associated with risk of gallstone disease in comparison with inactivity, 148 and regular aerobic exercise may potentially decrease the risk of gallstones formation and gallbladder cancer.…”

“…147 Performance of vigorous physical activity has been inversely associated with risk of gallstone disease in comparison with inactivity, 148 and regular aerobic exercise may potentially decrease the risk of gallstones formation and gallbladder cancer. 149 The intensity response seems however to be stronger for vigorous vs nonvigorous physical activity in gallbladder disease. 150 The main mechanism behind physical activity effect in gallstone disease might be linked to the release of the upper gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), 151 with a prokinetic effect.…”

“…185 Ursodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid have been recently shown to have anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines while increasing macrophage release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. 149,190 189 This scenario might also involve a neurohormonal mechanism with vagal-mediated gallbladder emptying before exercise.…”

“…189 This scenario might also involve a neurohormonal mechanism with vagal-mediated gallbladder emptying before exercise. 149,190…”

Cholelithiasis: Presentation and Management

“…All individuals with symptomatic cholelithiasis, regardless of severity and frequency of symptoms, should be advised to avoid fatty foods and, if indicated, reduce total caloric intake . The clinician should encourage the individual to diet responsibly and avoid fasting or starvation . A generally accepted weight loss goal of 1 to 2 pounds per week is safe and reasonable.…”