Hemoglobin levels are associated with retinal vascular caliber in a middle-aged birth cohort

Vascular and neural structures of the retina can be visualized non-invasively and used to predict ocular and systemic pathologies. We set out to evaluate the association of hemoglobin (Hb) levels within the national reference interval with retinal vascular caliber, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field (VF) parameters in the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort (n = 2319, 42.1% male, average age 47 years). The studied parameters were evaluated in Hb quintiles and multivariable linear regression models. The lowest Hb quintile of both sexes presented the narrowest central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) and the healthiest cardiometabolic profile compared to the other Hb quintiles. In the regression models, CRVE associated positively with Hb levels in both sexes, (Bmales = 0.068 [0.001; 0.135], Bfemales = 0.087 [0.033; 0.140]), after being adjusted for key cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters, smoking status, and fellow vessel caliber. No statistically significant associations of Hb levels with central retinal artery equivalent, OCT or VF parameters were detected. In conclusion, Hb levels were positively and specifically associated with CRVE, indicating that Hb levels are an independent factor affecting CRVE and the effect is in parallel with established risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases.

Genome-wide association study of anterior uveitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study is to define genetic factors associated with anterior uveitis through genome-wide association study (GWAS).

METHODS

In this GWAS meta-analysis, we combined data from the FinnGen, Estonian Biobank and UK Biobank with a total of 12 205 anterior uveitis cases and 917 145 controls. We performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to investigate associations across phenotypes and traits. We also evaluated genetic correlations of anterior uveitis.

RESULTS

We identified six anterior uveitis-associated loci. Genome-wide significant (p<5 × 10-8) associations were identified for the first time at three loci (innate immunity activator (INAVA), nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat family, pyrin domain containing 3 and nitric oxide synthase 2). We detected associations at three loci previously reported to be associated with uveitis (endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), the trinucleotide repeat containing 18 (TNRC18) and the HLA region) and also replicated associations at two loci previously associated with acute anterior uveitis (IL23R and HDAC2-AS2). In PheWAS, we further detected that lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at three of the anterior uveitis-associated loci (ERAP1, INAVA and TNRC18) are associated with other immunity-related phenotypes, including ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, we detected a moderate genetic correlation between anterior uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease (rg =0.39, p=8 × 10-5).

CONCLUSION

We identified six anterior uveitis-associated loci, including three novel loci with genome-wide significance. Our findings deepen our understanding of the genetic basis of anterior uveitis and the genetic connections between anterior uveitis and immune-related disorders, providing a foundation for further research and potential therapeutic interventions.