<p>"The defect is due to mutation in a gene 'ABCG8' in the liver which results in excess excretion of cholesterol into the bile causing cholesterol gallstones," the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Chairman D Nageshwar Reddy said at a press conference here today.<br /><br />It is estimated that every six people among 100 Indians have this variant in their hereditary disposition. That is six per cent of the Indian population suffers from gallstones.<br /><br />Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Scientists and gastroenterologists from the AIG have discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, he said.<br /><br />For those having a family history of gallstones there is 4.5 times likelihood of developing a gall stone in the course of their life, Reddy said.<br /><br />The discovery will not only change the future medicine and treatment procedure but also save huge amounts spent on treatment, he added.</p>
<p>"The defect is due to mutation in a gene 'ABCG8' in the liver which results in excess excretion of cholesterol into the bile causing cholesterol gallstones," the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Chairman D Nageshwar Reddy said at a press conference here today.<br /><br />It is estimated that every six people among 100 Indians have this variant in their hereditary disposition. That is six per cent of the Indian population suffers from gallstones.<br /><br />Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Scientists and gastroenterologists from the AIG have discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, he said.<br /><br />For those having a family history of gallstones there is 4.5 times likelihood of developing a gall stone in the course of their life, Reddy said.<br /><br />The discovery will not only change the future medicine and treatment procedure but also save huge amounts spent on treatment, he added.</p>