Association between monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio and gallstones in US adults: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020

Background Studies have indicated that monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) can be a reliable indicator of various diseases. However, the association between MHR and gallstone prevalence remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore any potential association between MHR and gallstone prevalence.Methods This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-March 2020. MHR was calculated as the monocyte count ratio to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Multiple logistic regression models, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between MHR and gallstones.Results This study included 5907 participants, of whom 636 (10.77%) were gallstone formers. The study participants had a mean age of 50.78 +/- 17.33 years. After accounting for multiple covariables, the multiple logistic regression model showed a positive linear association between MHR and gallstone odds. The subgroup analyses and interaction testing results revealed that the association between MHR and gallstones was statistically different across strata, including sex, smoking, asthma, and hypertension.Conclusions Gallstone prevalence positively associated with elevated MHR, indicating that MHR can be employed as a clinical indicator to assess gallstone prevalence.