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Fang A, Zhao Y, Yang P, Zhang X, Giovannucci EL. Vitamin D and human health: evidence from Mendelian randomization studies. Eur J Epidemiol 2024; 39:467-490. [PMID: 38214845 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-023-01075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
We summarized the current evidence on vitamin D and major health outcomes from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. PubMed and Embase were searched for original MR studies on vitamin D in relation to any health outcome from inception to September 1, 2022. Nonlinear MR findings were excluded due to concerns about the validity of the statistical methods used. A meta-analysis was preformed to synthesize study-specific estimates after excluding overlapping samples, where applicable. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the STROBE-MR checklist. A total of 133 MR publications were eligible for inclusion in the analyses. The causal association between vitamin D status and 275 individual outcomes was examined. Linear MR analyses showed genetically high 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were associated with reduced risk of multiple sclerosis incidence and relapse, non-infectious uveitis and scleritis, psoriasis, femur fracture, leg fracture, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anorexia nervosa, delirium, heart failure, ovarian cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, and bacterial pneumonia, but increased risk of Behçet's disease, Graves' disease, kidney stone disease, fracture of radium/ulna, basal cell carcinoma, and overall cataracts. Stratified analyses showed that the inverse association between genetically predisposed 25(OH)D concentrations and multiple sclerosis risk was significant and consistent regardless of the genetic instruments GIs selected. However, the associations with most of the other outcomes were only pronounced when using genetic variants not limited to those in the vitamin D pathway as GIs. The methodological quality of the included MR studies was substantially heterogeneous. Current evidence from linear MR studies strongly supports a causal role of vitamin D in the development of multiple sclerosis. Suggestive support for a number of other health conditions could help prioritize conditions where vitamin D may be beneficial or harmful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Fang
- Department of Nutrition, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Nutrition, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Yang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward L Giovannucci
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Jiang X, Xia L, Tang T, Fan X, Wang R, Wang M, Yang W, Yan J, Qi K, Li P. Decreased vitamin D bio-availability with altered DNA methylation of its metabolism genes in association with the metabolic disorders among the school-aged children with degree I, II, and III obesity. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 129:109627. [PMID: 38555074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is strongly associated with disturbances of vitamin D (VD) metabolites in the animal models. However, the related epidemiological evidence is still controversial, especially the different degrees of obesity children. Hence, in this present representative case-control study, 106 obesity school-age children aged 7-12 years were included and divided into different subgroups as degree I (the age- and sex-specific BMI≥95th percentile, n=45), II (BMI ≥120% percentile, n=34) and III (BMI ≥140% percentile, n=27) obesity groups across the ranges of body mass index (BMI). While the age- and sex-matched subjects without obesity were as the control group. Notably, it was significantly different of body composition, anthropological and clinical characteristics among the above four subgroups with the dose-response relationships (P<.05). Moreover, comparing with the control group, the serum VD concentrations were higher, VD metabolites like 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D, and related hydroxylases as CYP27A1, CYP2R1 and CYP27B1 were lower in the degree I, II, and III obesity subgroups (P<.05), which were more disorder with the anthropological and clinical characteristics as the obesity was worsen in a BMI-independent manner (P<.05). However, there was a significant increase of CYP27B1 in the degree III obesity group than those in the degree I and II obesity subgroups. Furthermore, the methylation patterns on the genome-wide (Methylation/Hydroxymethylation) and VD metabolism genes (CYP27A1, CYP2R1 and CYP27B1) were negatively correlated with the worse obesity and their related expressions (P<.05). In summary, these results indicated that obesity could affect the homeostasis of VD metabolism related genes such as CYP27A1, CYP2R1, CYP27B1 and etc through abnormal DNA methylation, resulting in the disorders of VD related metabolites to decrease VD bio-availability with the BMI-independent manner. In turn, the lower levels of VD metabolites would affect the liver function to exacerbate the progression of obesity, as the Degree II and III obesity subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Jiang
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children's Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Xia
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian Tang
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children's Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqin Fan
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children's Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children's Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Meichen Wang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Yang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Kemin Qi
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children's Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children's Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
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Ferret-Sena V, Ramos C, Cascais MJ, Capela C, Sena A. Oral Contraceptives Interact with Adiposity-Associated Markers in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:464. [PMID: 38256598 PMCID: PMC10816152 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests the involvement of adipose tissue in modulating the clinical course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This study aimed to investigate whether the intake of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) affects body weight and leptin and adiponectin (APN) blood levels in these patients. Clinical data from 62 women (M = 33.23 year) were recorded prior to the initiation of disease-modifying therapy. Patients who were taking COCs at the time of experiencing the first symptoms of disease (COC user) were compared with those who never used these formulations or stopped taking them before disease onset (COC non-user). Bivariate Pearson's correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regressions analysis were conducted. Normalized APN levels were lower in the COC-using patients (p = 0.013). Negative correlations between waist circumference and normalized APN (p = 0.001) were observed only in the COC non-user patients. A longer duration of COC intake was associated with increased body mass index and waist circumference (p = 0.003). Normalized APN predicted the MS Severity Score (MSSS) (p = 0.020), but this correlation was lost in the COC user patients. After adjusting for confounders, only age (p = 0.027) and, later, disease onset (p = 0.014) were correlated with the MSSS. Larger and prospective studies are needed to investigate the interactions of sex steroids with adipose metabolism in modulating disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Ferret-Sena
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (V.F.-S.); (C.R.)
| | - Catarina Ramos
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (V.F.-S.); (C.R.)
| | - Maria João Cascais
- Nutritional Biochemistry, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Carlos Capela
- Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Esclerose Múltipla, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, EPE, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa, 1159-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Armando Sena
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (V.F.-S.); (C.R.)
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Misicka E, Gunzler D, Albert J, Briggs FBS. Characterizing causal relationships of visceral fat and body shape on multiple sclerosis risk. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:104964. [PMID: 37659350 PMCID: PMC10873055 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have established obesity as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). These studies relied on body-mass index (BMI) and body size silhouettes as the primary measures of obesity. Unfortunately, the causal mechanisms through which obesity confers MS risk are not yet known. OBJECTIVES To investigate the causal effects of multiple specific measures of body fat on MS risk in populations of European descent, using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS MR is a genetic instrumental variable analysis utilizing genome-wide association (GWA) summary statistics to infer causality between phenotypes. MR analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between seven measures of body fat (BMI, waist-hip ratio, visceral adipose tissue [VAT], subcutaneous adipose tissue, and arm-, leg-, and trunk-fat to total body fat ratio) and MS risk. RESULTS Only BMI and VAT were significantly associated with MS risk in separate MR analyses (βBMI=0.27, pBMI<0.001; βVAT=0.28, pVAT=0.006). High correlation between BMI and VAT instruments suggest that two-sample MR associations for BMI and VAT likely capture the same causal mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS BMI and VAT were causally associated with MS risk in European populations, though their effects do not appear independent, suggesting overlap in the role of overall body mass and visceral obesity in MS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Misicka
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Douglas Gunzler
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for Health Care Research and Policy, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey Albert
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Farren B S Briggs
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Bouillon R, LeBoff MS, Neale RE. Health Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation: Lessons Learned From Randomized Controlled Trials and Mendelian Randomization Studies. J Bone Miner Res 2023; 38:1391-1403. [PMID: 37483080 PMCID: PMC10592274 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium homeostasis and many cellular processes. Although vitamin D supplements are widely recommended for community-dwelling adults, definitive data on whether these supplements benefit clinically important skeletal and extraskeletal outcomes have been conflicting. Although observational studies on effects of vitamin D on musculoskeletal and extraskeletal outcomes may be confounded by reverse causation, randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies can help to elucidate causation. In this review, we summarize the recent findings from large RCTs and/or MR studies of vitamin D on bone health and risk of fractures, falls, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, disorders of the immune system, multiple sclerosis, and mortality in community-dwelling adults. The primary analyses indicate that vitamin D supplementation does not decrease bone loss, fractures, falls, cancer incidence, hypertension, or cardiovascular risk in generally healthy populations. Large RCTs and meta-analyses suggest an effect of supplemental vitamin D on cancer mortality. The existence of extraskeletal benefits of vitamin D supplementations are best documented for the immune system especially in people with poor vitamin D status, autoimmune diseases, and multiple sclerosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that vitamin D may reduce all-cause mortality. These findings, in mostly vitamin D-replete populations, do not apply to older adults in residential communities or adults with vitamin D deficiency or osteoporosis. The focus of vitamin D supplementation should shift from widespread use in generally healthy populations to targeted vitamin D supplementation in select individuals, good nutritional approaches, and elimination of vitamin D deficiency globally. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Bouillon
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Mebabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meryl S LeBoff
- Calcium and Bone Section, Endocrine, Diabetes and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Fazia T, Baldrighi GN, Nova A, Bernardinelli L. A systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies on multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3172-3194. [PMID: 37463755 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Mendelian randomization (MR) is a powerful approach for assessing the causal effect of putative risk factors on an outcome, using genetic variants as instrumental variables. The methodology and application developed in the framework of MR have been dramatically improved, taking advantage of the many public genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The availability of summary-level data allowed to perform numerous MR studies especially for complex diseases, pinpointing modifiable exposures causally related to increased or decreased disease risk. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex multifactorial disease whose aetiology involves both genetic and non-genetic risk factors and their interplay. Previous observational studies have revealed associations between candidate modifiable exposures and MS risk; although being prone to confounding, and reverse causation, these studies were unable to draw causal conclusions. MR analysis addresses the limitations of observational studies and allows to establish reliable and accurate causal conclusions. Here, we systematically reviewed the studies evaluating the causal effect, through MR, of genetic and non-genetic exposures on MS risk. Among 107 papers found, only 42 were eligible for final evaluation and qualitative synthesis. We found that, above all, low vitamin D levels and high adult body mass index (BMI) appear to be uncontested risk factors for increased MS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Fazia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Nova
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Bernardinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Hedström AK. Risk factors for multiple sclerosis in the context of Epstein-Barr virus infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212676. [PMID: 37554326 PMCID: PMC10406387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence indicates that Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection is a prerequisite for multiple sclerosis (MS). The disease may arise from a complex interplay between latent EBV infection, genetic predisposition, and various environmental and lifestyle factors that negatively affect immune control of the infection. Evidence of gene-environment interactions and epigenetic modifications triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals supports this view. This review gives a short introduction to EBV and host immunity and discusses evidence indicating EBV as a prerequisite for MS. The role of genetic and environmental risk factors, and their interactions, in MS pathogenesis is reviewed and put in the context of EBV infection. Finally, possible preventive measures are discussed based on the findings presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Karin Hedström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Locus for severity implicates CNS resilience in progression of multiple sclerosis. Nature 2023; 619:323-331. [PMID: 37380766 PMCID: PMC10602210 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06250-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that results in significant neurodegeneration in the majority of those affected and is a common cause of chronic neurological disability in young adults1,2. Here, to provide insight into the potential mechanisms involved in progression, we conducted a genome-wide association study of the age-related MS severity score in 12,584 cases and replicated our findings in a further 9,805 cases. We identified a significant association with rs10191329 in the DYSF-ZNF638 locus, the risk allele of which is associated with a shortening in the median time to requiring a walking aid of a median of 3.7 years in homozygous carriers and with increased brainstem and cortical pathology in brain tissue. We also identified suggestive association with rs149097173 in the DNM3-PIGC locus and significant heritability enrichment in CNS tissues. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested a potential protective role for higher educational attainment. In contrast to immune-driven susceptibility3, these findings suggest a key role for CNS resilience and potentially neurocognitive reserve in determining outcome in MS.
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Ge A, Sun Y, Kiker T, Zhou Y, Ye K. A metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization study prioritizes potential causal circulating metabolites for multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 379:578105. [PMID: 37207441 PMCID: PMC10237183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To prioritize circulating metabolites that likely play causal roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to estimate the causal effects of 571 circulating metabolites on the risk of MS. Genetic instruments for circulating metabolites were obtained from three previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the blood metabolome (N = 7824; 24,925; and 115,078; respectively), while genetic associations with MS were from a large GWAS by the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (14,802 cases and 26,703 control). The primary analysis was performed with the multiplicative random-effect inverse variance-weighted method, while multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted with the weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO. A total of 29 metabolites had suggestive evidence of causal associations with MS. Genetically instrumented levels of serine (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.25-1.95), lysine (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01-1.38), acetone (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.02-5.90), and acetoacetate (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.14-5.34) were associated with a higher MS risk. Total cholesterol and phospholipids in large very-low-density lipoprotein were associated with a lower MS risk (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69-1.00; OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68-0.95), but risk-increasing associations (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.04-1.40; OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.00-1.28) were observed for the same two lipids in very large high-density lipoprotein. Our metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization study prioritized a list of circulating metabolites, such as serine, lysine, acetone, acetoacetate, and lipids, that likely have causal associations with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ge
- Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Yitang Sun
- Department of Genetics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Thaddaeus Kiker
- Department of Genetics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Sunny Hills High School, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Yanjiao Zhou
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Kaixiong Ye
- Department of Genetics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Samara A, Cantoni C, Piccio L, Cross AH, Chahin S. Obesity, gut microbiota, and multiple sclerosis: Unraveling the connection. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 76:104768. [PMID: 37269641 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with chronic mild-grade systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Obesity in early childhood and adolescence is also a significant risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) development. However, the underlying mechanisms that explain the link between obesity and MS development are not fully explored. An increasing number of studies call attention to the importance of gut microbiota as a leading environmental risk factor mediating inflammatory central nervous system demyelination, particularly in MS. Obesity and high-calorie diet are also associated with disturbances in gut microbiota. Therefore, gut microbiota alteration is a plausible connection between obesity and the increased risk of MS development. A greater understanding of this connection could provide additional therapeutic opportunities, like dietary interventions, microbiota-derived products, and exogenous antibiotics and probiotics. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the relationships between MS, obesity, and gut microbiota. We discuss gut microbiota as a potential link between obesity and increased risk for MS. Additional experimental studies and controlled clinical trials targeting gut microbiota are warranted to unravel the possible causal relationship between obesity and increased risk of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Samara
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, United States
| | - Laura Piccio
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States; Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne H Cross
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Salim Chahin
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.
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Zhang X, Yang X, Zhang T, Yin X, Man J, Lu M. Association of educational attainment with esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the mediating role of modifiable risk factors: A Mendelian randomization study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1022367. [PMID: 37056646 PMCID: PMC10086429 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1022367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundObservational studies have reported that educational attainment has been related to the risk of esophageal cancer (EC) and its precancerous lesions. However, the causal relationship remains controversial. We aimed to apply the Mendelian randomization (MR) design to determine the causal associations between genetically predicted educational attainment and EC, Barrett's esophagus (BE), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to explore whether modifiable risk factors play a mediating role.MethodsUsing summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) based on European ancestry individuals of several years in education (EduYears, primary analysis, n = 293,723), college completion (College, secondary analysis, n = 95,427), EC (n = 420,531), BE (n = 361,194), and GERD (n = 420,531), genetic associations between two education phenotypes and EC, BE, and GERD were tested by two-sample MR analyses. Then, two-step MR mediation analyses were used to assess the proportion of the aforementioned association that might be mediated by body mass index (BMI), major depressive disorder (MDD), smoking, drinking, carbohydrates, fat, and protein intake.ResultsGenetically predicted EduYears was negatively associated with the risk of EC, BE, and GERD {odds ratio (OR), 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.94], 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75–0.99), and 0.62 (95%CI, 0.58–0.67)}. EduYears was negatively associated with BMI, MDD, and smoking (range of OR: 0.76–0.84). There were positive associations between BMI, smoking with EC, BE, and GERD, as well as between MDD with GERD (range of OR: 1.08–1.50). For individual mediating effect, BMI and smoking mediated 15.75 and 14.15% of the EduYears-EC association and 15.46 and 16.85% of the EduYears-BE association. BMI, MDD, and smoking mediated 5.23, 4.98, and 4.49% of the EduYears-GERD association. For combined mediation, the aforementioned mediators explained 26.62, 28.38, and 11.48% of the effect of EduYears on EC, BE, and GERD. The mediating effects of drinking and dietary composition were not significant in the effect of education on EC, BE, and GERD.ConclusionOur study supports that genetically predicted higher educational attainment has a protective effect on EC, BE, and GERD, and is partly mediated by reducing adiposity, smoking, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuening Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Research Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tongchao Zhang
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Research Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolin Yin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinyu Man
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Research Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Lu
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Tang Y, Liu W, Kong W, Zhang S, Zhu T. Multisite chronic pain and the risk of autoimmune diseases: A Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1077088. [PMID: 36845101 PMCID: PMC9947645 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1077088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that an association between chronic pain and autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these associations refer to a causal relationship. We used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to determine the causal relationship between chronic pain and AIDs. Methods We assessed genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for chronic pain [multisite chronic pain (MCP) and chronic widespread pain (CWP)], and eight common AIDs, namely, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), celiac disease (CeD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D) and psoriasis. Summary statistics data were from publicly available and relatively large-scale GWAS meta-analyses to date. The two-sample MR analyses were first performed to identify the causal effect of chronic pain on AIDs. The two-step MR and multivariable MR were used to determine if mediators (BMI and smoking) causally mediated any connection and to estimate the proportion of the association mediated by these factors combined. Results With the utilization of MR analysis, multisite chronic pain was associated with a higher risk of MS [odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.49, P = 0.044] and RA (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.06-2.77, P = 0.028). However, multisite chronic pain had no significant effect on ALS (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.92-1.71, P = 0.150), CeD (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.02-3.64, P = 0.303), IBD (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.09-2.27, P = 0.338), SLE (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 0.82-3.88, P = 0.144), T1D (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.65-2.02, P = 0.627) or Psoriasis (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.22-11.26, P = 0.644). We also found positive causal effects of MCP on BMI and causal effects of BMI on MS and RA. Moreover, there were no causal connections between genetically predicted chronic widespread pain and the risk of most types of AIDs disease. Conclusion Our MR analysis implied a causal relationship between MCP and MS/RA, and the effect of MCP on MS and RA may be partially mediated by BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yidan Tang, ; Tao Zhu,
| | - Weizhi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weishuang Kong
- Department of Surgery, Xuanwei Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuanwei, China
| | - Shuangyi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yidan Tang, ; Tao Zhu,
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13
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Zhang Y, Liu H, Zhang H, Han Z, Wang T, Wang L, Liu G. Causal association of genetically determined circulating vitamin D metabolites and calcium with multiple sclerosis in participants of European descent. Eur J Clin Nutr 2023; 77:481-489. [PMID: 36635366 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-023-01260-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D is an important regulator of calcium. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies exclusively focused on the circulating total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as a biomarker of vitamin D status, and have found the causal association between 25(OH)D and the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it currently remains unclear about the causal association of the 25(OH)D subtypes including 25(OH)D3 and C3-epi-25(OH)D3, as well as calcium with the risk of MS. METHODS We performed a two-sample MR study to evaluate the causal association of circulating total 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3, C3-epi-25(OH)D3, and calcium with the risk of MS using large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets from total 25(OH)D (n = 417,580), 25(OH)D3 (n = 40,562), C3-epi-25(OH)D3 (n = 40,562), calcium (n = 305,349), and MS (14,802 MS and 26,703 controls). We selected five MR methods including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), simple median, weighted median, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO (Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier), and contamination mixture method. RESULTS IVW showed that the genetically increased circulating 25(OH)D level (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.94, P = 4.00E-03), circulating 25(OH)D3 level (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95, P = 5.00E-03), and circulating C3-epi-25(OH)D3 level (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.98, P = 2.30E-02) were causally associated with reduced risk of MS. However, IVW showed no causal association between circulating calcium level and the risk of MS with OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 0.42-19.53, P = 2.85E-01. CONCLUSIONS Our current findings together with evidence from other MR studies support the use of vitamin D but not calcium supplementation for the prevention of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Haijie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Haihua Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhifa Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Longcai Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Guiyou Liu
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China. .,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong; Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital; Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxia Translational Medicine, National Engineering Laboratory of Internet Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
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14
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New Insights into Risk Genes and Their Candidates in Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Int 2022; 15:24-39. [PMID: 36648967 PMCID: PMC9844300 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are central nervous system glial cells that wrap neuronal axons with their differentiated myelin membranes as biological insulators. There has recently been an emerging concept that multiple sclerosis could be triggered and promoted by various risk genes that appear likely to contribute to the degeneration of oligodendrocytes. Despite the known involvement of vitamin D, immunity, and inflammatory cytokines in disease progression, the common causes and key genetic mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we focus on recently identified risk factors and risk genes in the background of multiple sclerosis and discuss their relationships.
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15
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Vitamin D in Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010087. [PMID: 36613531 PMCID: PMC9820561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D may have multiple effects on the nervous system and its deficiency can represent a possible risk factor for the development of many neurological diseases. Recent studies are also trying to clarify the different effects of vitamin D supplementation over the course of progressive neurological diseases. In this narrative review, we summarise vitamin D chemistry, metabolism, mechanisms of action, and the recommended daily intake. The role of vitamin D on gene transcription and the immune response is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the scientific evidence that links low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations to the onset and progression of severe neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, migraine, diabetic neuropathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Completed and ongoing clinical trials on vitamin D supplementation in neurological diseases are listed.
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16
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Goris A, Vandebergh M, McCauley JL, Saarela J, Cotsapas C. Genetics of multiple sclerosis: lessons from polygenicity. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:830-842. [PMID: 35963264 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale mapping studies have identified 236 independent genetic variants associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. However, none of these variants are found exclusively in patients with multiple sclerosis. They are located throughout the genome, including 32 independent variants in the MHC and one on the X chromosome. Most variants are non-coding and seem to act through cell-specific effects on gene expression and splicing. The likely functions of these variants implicate both adaptive and innate immune cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, provide pivotal biological insight into the causes and mechanisms of multiple sclerosis, and some of the variants implicated in multiple sclerosis also mediate risk of other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Genetics offers an approach to showing causality for environmental factors, through Mendelian randomisation. No single variant is necessary or sufficient to cause multiple sclerosis; instead, each increases total risk in an additive manner. This combined contribution from many genetic factors to disease risk, or polygenicity, has important consequences for how we interpret the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis and how we counsel patients on risk and prognosis. Ongoing efforts are focused on increasing cohort sizes, increasing diversity and detailed characterisation of study populations, and translating these associations into an understanding of the biology of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Goris
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marijne Vandebergh
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jacob L McCauley
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Janna Saarela
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland and Department of Clinical Genetics, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Chris Cotsapas
- Departments of Neurology and Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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17
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Chen X, Liu Z, Cui J, Chen X, Xiong J, Zhou W. Circulating adipokine levels and preeclampsia: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Front Genet 2022; 13:935757. [PMID: 36072663 PMCID: PMC9444139 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.935757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several observational studies have demonstrated that significantly rising circulating adipokine levels are pervasive in preeclampsia or eclampsia disorder (or preeclampsia toxemia (PET)). However, it remains unclear whether this relationship is causal. In this study, we sought to elucidate the causal effects of circulating adipokine levels on PET. Methods: Summary-level data and independent genetic variants strongly associated with common adipokine molecule (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, sOB-R, and PAI-1) levels were drawn from public genome-wide association study (GWASs). Additionally, the corresponding effects between instrumental variables and PET outcomes were acquired from the FinnGen consortium, including 4,743 cases and 136,325 controls of European ancestry. Subsequently, an inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was applied for the principal two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses. Various complementary sensitivity analyses were then carried out to determine the robustness of our models. Results: The results of the IVW method did not reveal any causal relationship shared across genetically predisposed adipokine levels and PET risk (for adiponectin, OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.65–1.13, p = 0.274). Additionally, no significant associations were identified after taking into account five circulating adipokines in MVMR research. Complementary sensitivity analysis also supported no significant associations between them. In the reverse MR analysis, genetically predicted PET risk showed a suggestive association with elevating PAI-1 levels by the IVW method (Beta = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.014, 0.227, p = 0.026). Furthermore, there were no strong correlations between genetic liability to PET and other adipokine levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our MR study did not provide robust evidence supporting the causal role of common circulating adipokine levels in PET, whereas genetically predicted PET may instrumentally affect PAI-1 levels. These findings suggest that PAI-1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring the diagnosis or therapy of PET rather than a therapeutic target for PET.
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18
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Fatima M, Lamis A, Siddiqui SW, Ashok T, Patni N, Fadiora OE. Therapeutic Role of Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis: An Essentially Contested Concept. Cureus 2022; 14:e26186. [PMID: 35911285 PMCID: PMC9311493 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the nervous system with incredibly intricate etiopathogenesis involving numerous genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors. Major environmental risk factors include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, vitamin D, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, smoking, and high body mass index (BMI). Vitamin D, in particular, can be viewed as one piece of this puzzle, with various tabs and pockets, occupying a sequential site. In this article, we have briefly discussed the neuroimmunology of MS and the role of vitamin D in regulating immune responses. Various observational studies and clinical trials were reviewed and discussed according to stages of disease activity and course of the disease. The data reviewed in this article implied that serum vitamin D levels greatly influence the risk of developing MS and disease activity. Long-term follow-up studies indicated that low serum vitamin D levels correlate with worse disability outcomes. Since clinical trials did not provide significant evidence, the role of vitamin D in controlling disease activity remains unresolved. Larger clinical trials are needed to support the findings of observational studies and provide significant evidence in favour of vitamin D.
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19
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Vandebergh M, Dubois B, Goris A. Effects of Vitamin D and Body Mass Index on Disease Risk and Relapse Hazard in Multiple Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/3/e1165. [PMID: 35393342 PMCID: PMC8990978 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Decreased vitamin D levels and obesity are associated with an increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether they also affect the disease course after onset remains unclear. With larger data sets now available, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to determine whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and body mass index (BMI) are causally associated with MS risk and, moving beyond susceptibility toward heterogeneity, with relapse hazard. Methods We used genetic variants from 4 distinct genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for serum 25OHD in up to 416,247 individuals and for BMI from a GWAS in 681,275 individuals. Applying 2-sample MR, we examined associations of 25OHD and BMI with the risk of MS, with summary statistics from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium GWAS in 14,802 MS cases and 26,703 controls. In addition, we examined associations with relapse hazard, with data from our GWAS in 506 MS cases. Results A 1-SD increase in genetically predicted natural-log transformed 25OHD levels decreased odds of MS up to 28% (95% CI: 12%–40%, p = 0.001) and decreased hazard for a relapse occurring up to 43% (95% CI: 15%–61%, p = 0.006). A 1-SD increase in genetically predicted BMI, corresponding to roughly 5 kg/m2, increased risk for MS with 30% (95% CI: 15%–47%, p = 3.76 × 10−5). On the contrary, we did not find evidence for a causal role of higher BMI with an increased hazard for occurrence of a relapse. Discussion This study supports causal effects of genetically predicted serum 25OHD concentrations and BMI on risk of MS. In contrast, serum 25OHD but not BMI is significantly associated with relapse hazard after onset. These findings might offer clinical implications for both prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijne Vandebergh
- From the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology (M.V., B.D., A.G.), Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven; and Department of Neurology (B.D.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Dubois
- From the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology (M.V., B.D., A.G.), Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven; and Department of Neurology (B.D.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Goris
- From the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology (M.V., B.D., A.G.), Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven; and Department of Neurology (B.D.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Vandebergh M, Degryse N, Dubois B, Goris A. Environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis: bridging Mendelian randomization and observational studies. J Neurol 2022; 269:4565-4574. [PMID: 35366084 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with both genetic variants and environmental factors involved in disease susceptibility. The main environmental risk factors associated with MS in observational studies include obesity, vitamin D deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus infection and smoking. As modifying these environmental and lifestyle factors may enable prevention, it is important to pinpoint causal links between these factors and MS. Leveraging genetics through the Mendelian randomization (MR) paradigm is an elegant way to inform prevention strategies in MS. In this review, we summarize MR studies regarding the impact of environmental factors on MS susceptibility, thereby paying attention to quality criteria which will aid readers in interpreting any MR studies. We draw parallels and differences with observational studies and randomized controlled trials and look forward to the challenges that such work presents going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijne Vandebergh
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Degryse
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Dubois
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Goris
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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21
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Vandebergh M, Becelaere S, Dubois B, Goris A. Body Mass Index, Interleukin-6 Signaling and Multiple Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834644. [PMID: 35386698 PMCID: PMC8978959 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We explored whether genetically predicted increased body mass index (BMI) modulates multiple sclerosis (MS) risk through interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling. Methods We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets for BMI, IL-6 signaling, IL-6 levels and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels as exposures and estimated their effects on risk of MS from GWAS data from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) in 14,802 MS cases and 26,703 controls. Results In univariable MR analyses, genetically predicted increased BMI and IL-6 signaling were associated with higher risk of MS (BMI: odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-1.47, p = 3.76 × 10-5; IL-6 signaling: OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.11-2.04, p = 0.01). Furthermore, higher BMI was associated with increased IL-6 signaling (β = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.32,0.41, p = 1.58 × 10-65). In multivariable MR analyses, the effect of IL-6 signaling on MS risk remained after adjusting for BMI (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.11-1.68, p = 0.003) and higher BMI remained associated with an increased risk for MS after adjustment for IL-6 signaling (OR = 1.16, 95% CI =1.00-1.34, p = 0.046). The proportion of the effect of BMI on MS mediated by IL-6 signaling corresponded to 43% (95% CI = 25%-54%). In contrast to IL-6 signaling, there was little evidence for an effect of serum IL-6 levels or CRP levels on risk of MS. Conclusion In this study, we identified IL-6 signaling as a major mediator of the association between BMI and risk of MS. Further explorations of pathways underlying the association between BMI and MS are required and will, together with our findings, improve the understanding of MS biology and potentially lead to improved opportunities for targeted prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijne Vandebergh
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Becelaere
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Human Evolutionary Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bénédicte Dubois
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Goris
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Wang R. Mendelian randomization study updates the effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels on the risk of multiple sclerosis. J Transl Med 2022; 20:3. [PMID: 34980161 PMCID: PMC8722044 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03205-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Observational studies and previous Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have shown that genetically low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels are associated with a high susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). The present MR study aims to update the causal estimates for the effects of 25OHD levels on MS risk. Methods To date, the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) for serum 25OHD (n = 401,460) and MS (14,498 MS cases and 24,091 controls) was used to assess the effect of serum 25OHD levels on MS. All participants were of European ancestry. The MR-egger_intercept test and Cochran’s Q statistic were used to determine the pleiotropy and the heterogeneity, respectively. MR-egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (multiplicative random effects), simple mode, and weighted mode methods were used to evaluate the causal association of serum 25OHD levels with MS. Finally, the effect of a single 25OHD SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) on MS was used to test the SNP bias. Results One hundred and fifteen newly identified serum 25OHD genetic variants were extracted from a large-scale serum 25OHD GWAS dataset. The 20 most effective and independent 25OHD genetic instrumental variables were extracted from the MS GWAS summary statistics. Pleiotropy analysis suggested no significant pleiotropic variant among the 20 selected 25OHD genetic instrument variants in MS GWAS datasets. As serum levels of 25OHD based on genetic changes increased, the risk of MS decreased using MR-egger (Beta = − 0.940, p = 0.001; OR = 0.391), weighted median (Beta = − 0.835, p = 0.000; OR = 0.434), IVW (Beta = − 0.781, p = 0.000; OR = 0.458), simple mode (Beta = − 1.484, p = 0.016; OR = 0.227), and weighted mode (Beta = − 0.913, p = 0.000; OR = 0.401). Our results were robust, with no obvious bias based on investigating the single 25OHD SNP on MS. Conclusions Our analysis suggested a causal association between genetically increased serum 25OHD levels and reduced MS in the European population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-03205-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renxi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China.
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