A mendelian randomization study investigating the causal relationships between 1400 serum metabolites and autoimmune diseases

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the causal relationships between 1400 serum metabolites (SMs) and five autoimmune diseases (Myasthenia gravis [MG], Multiple sclerosis [MS], Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], Type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM], and Ulcerative colitis [UC]) through Mendelian randomization analysis. MethodData on MG, MS, SLE, T1DM, and UC were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS Project database, while information on 1400 SMs was extracted from GWAS summary statistics provided by Chen et al. Causal relationships were assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, Weighted Median (WME), and Simple median (SME) methods. The robustness of instrumental variables was verified through computation of the F-statistic. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and the leave-one-out (LOO) method. Horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO. ResultFollowing correction of the IVW P values using the False Discovery Rate (FDR) method, it was found that increased levels of 5-methyluridine (ribothymidine) (OR = 1.191, 95%CI 1.086–1.307, FDR-P = 0.000) and 2′-deoxyuridine (OR = 1.337, 95%CI 1.127–1.586, FDR-P = 0.001) were found to be correlated with a higher risk of MS. Conversely, the ratio of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) to 5-methyluridine (ribothymidine) (OR = 0.771, 95%CI 0.649–0.916, FDR-P = 0.007) was linked to a decreased risk of MS. Levels of 1,2-dilinoleoyl-GPE (18:2/18:2) (OR = 0.877, 95%CI 0.791–0.974, FDR-P = 0.003) appear to be a protective factor for T1DM. No notable correlations between SMs and MG, SLE, or UC. The study detected no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. ConclusionLevels of 5-methyluridine (ribothymidine), 2′-deoxyuridine, and the ratio of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) to 5-methyluridine (ribothymidine) can serve as predictors for MS. Similarly, 1,2-dilinoleoyl-GPE (18:2/18:2) levels can be used to predict T1DM. However, no significant causal relationships were found between SMs and MG, SLE, or UC. This observation holds significant clinical implications for crafting tailored preventive and therapeutic approaches for ADs.