Your gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ near your liver that stores bile, a substance that helps break down fat so your body can absorb it. Gallbladder disease refers to anything that can affect the function of your gallbladder, including:
- gallstones
- cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
- choledocholithiasis (buildup of gallstones in the bile duct)
- biliary dyskinesia (reduced ability to move bile)
- gallbladder cancer
Experts think some people may be at greater risk than others due to their genetics. Having a family history of gallbladder problems may put you at increased risk of any type of gallbladder disease.
While you may inherit genes that increase your risk, that doesn’t mean you’ll develop gallbladder disease. Many people also develop gallbladder problems without a family history.
Genetic involvement in gallbladder disease is complex. Scientists believe that it’s polygenic, meaning several different genes are involved. It’s also environmental, meaning the affected genes may not cause disease unless other environmental factors are at play.
Researchers have identified specific gene variants that may increase your risk of gallbladder disease. These genes code for proteins your body uses to ensure proper gallbladder function and movement of fat molecules like cholesterol. A mutation in these genes can lead to gallbladder problems.
For example, you’re more likely to have gallstone disease if you have specific variants of the following genes:
Medical professionals link some genes to gallbladder cancer,
- KRAS
- BRAF
- PIK3CA
A large 2017 study in Sweden found that 36% of people with gallstone disease had a family history. Of those, about half had a parent with gallstones.
The study determined that the risk of gallstone disease was:
- 62% higher if you had a parent with gallstone disease
- 75% higher if you had a sibling with gallstone disease
- 158% higher if you had both a parent and sibling with gallstone disease
A similar study found that the risk of gallbladder cancer was 2.7 times higher for people with a family history. However, the researchers noted that shared environmental factors likely have more influence.
While you may not necessarily inherit gallbladder disease from a parent, you may be more susceptible to developing it. Talk with a doctor about risk factors for gallbladder disease you can manage, such as your diet, weight, and blood sugar.