New York: Regular exercise may reduce the chances of gallstone formation - a solid crystal deposit that forms in the gallbladder, American scientists suggest.

A study by scientists at the University of Illinois found that exercise-trained mice got far fewer gallstones than sedentary mice. The study also identified potential mechanisms to explain why this occurs.

Previous studies have suggested that people who are physically fit have fewer gallstones and lower cholesterol, but laboratory studies had not confirmed the link.

The researchers claimed their study is a useful model because the genes that regulate the liver and gall bladder are similar in humans and mice, reported science portal EurekAlert.

They said human studies would be difficult to perform because of the number of years it takes for people to develop gallstones.

People suffering from gallstones often may not have any symptoms and require no treatment. But some with the disease have symptoms such as nausea and an intense, steady ache in their upper middle or upper right abdomen. In some cases the pain can be severe and intermittent.

Complications from gallstones can be serious, and even fatal, if left untreated. IANS