Lipids, apolipoproteins and gestational diabetes mellitus: a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study investigates the causal relationship between lipid traits and GDM in an effort to better understand the aetiology of GDM.MethodsEmploying a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) framework, we used Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to examine the impact of lipids and apolipoproteins on GDM. The research comprised univariable and multivariable MR analyses, with a prime focus on individual and combined effects of lipid-related traits. Statistical techniques included the fixed-effect inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and supplementary methods such as MR-Egger for comprehensive assessment.ResultsOur findings revealed the following significant associations: apoA-I and HDL cholesterol were inversely correlated with GDM risk, while triglycerides showed a positive correlation. In multivariable analysis, apoA-I consistently exhibited a strong causal link with GDM, even after adjusting for other lipids and Body Mass Index (BMI).ConclusionThe study demonstrates a significant causal relationship between apoA-I and GDM risk.