Unraveling the genetic links between stature and disease in East Asians: A multi-biobank genetic correlation and risk prediction study.
Both genetic and environmental factors affect human stature, including overall height and familial short stature (FSS), and it is associated with various health outcomes. However, the study of genetic connections between stature and health conditions remains lacking in East Asian populations. Hence, we conducted parallel genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of body height and FSS in the Han Taiwanese population, aiming to elucidate the genetic influences of stature on health and facilitate the formulation of precision-health strategies. We analyzed large-scale GWAS data on adult height (120,301 Han Taiwanese) and FSS (FSS; 2,050 cases, 27,966 controls) to examine cross-trait genetic correlations across five East Asian biobanks, and applied phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) and polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses to assess clinical outcomes using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier analyses. We identified 293 loci for height and five for FSS, with cross-biobank genetic correlations linking stature to body size, lung function, and cardiovascular/reproductive traits (atrial flutter/fibrillation [AF], menarche, and endometriosis). PheWAS showed that height PRS increased risks of AF and endometriosis, while FSS PRS had a protective effect against endometriosis. MR analyses showed that taller stature increased AF risk independently and endometriosis risk through menarche/weight, while shorter stature had a weak protective effect against endometriosis. Survival analyses showed the association of higher height PRS with greater AF risk and an earlier divergence of cumulative incidence curves. These time-to-event patterns were consistently replicated using meta-analysis-derived PRSs. The findings highlight stature-related genetic determinants, associated health outcomes, and polygenic risk scores as effective tools for early risk prediction and precision health strategies in East Asian populations.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jgm.70033
- Sep 1, 2025
- The journal of gene medicine
Elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are biomarkers of liver dysfunction and predictors of cirrhosis and liver cancer. While European-ancestry GWAS have identified hundreds of loci influencing these enzymes and driven drug discovery and personalized interventions, comparable genetic studies in Han Taiwanese and other East Asian populations remain lacking. We performed GWAS of ALT (n = 137,312) and AST (n = 111,527) in Han Taiwanese to characterize liver enzyme genetics. To assess broader East Asian relevance, we performed cross-trait genetic correlation analyses across five East Asian biobanks. We then conducted phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) using polygenic risk scores (PRSs) to identify disease associations and applied bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causality. We identified 16 genome-wide significant loci-including novel East Asian variants-linking enzyme liability to metabolic, hematologic, and malignancy traits. PheWAS revealed strong links to endocrine-metabolic disorders, especially type 2 diabetes (T2D), and to circulatory, genitourinary, digestive, and infectious diseases. MR showed a causal effect of genetically elevated ALT on increased T2D risk; AST's effect was evident only after BMI adjustment. Neither enzyme showed a causal influence on malignancy, though genetic predisposition to malignancy was associated with lower ALT levels. PRSs for ALT and AST robustly predicted higher T2D risk and earlier onset. These findings elucidated the genetic architecture of liver enzymes in Han Taiwanese and highlight their relevance across East Asian populations. ALT and AST PRSs show promise as genomic markers for diabetes risk and precision prevention.
- Peer Review Report
- 10.7554/elife.82608.sa1
- Oct 24, 2022
Although humans contain the same genes, the sequence within these DNA sites can vary from person to person. These small variations, also known as genetic variants, can increase the risk of developing certain diseases. While each variant will only have a weak effect, if multiple variations are present the odds of developing the disease becomes significantly higher. To determine which variants are linked to a disease, researchers carry out genome-wide association studies which involve analyzing the genomes of individuals with and without the condition and comparing their genetic codes. This data is then used to calculate how different combinations of variants impact a person’s chance of getting the disease, also known as a polygenic risk score. Currently, most genome-wide association studies only incorporate genetic data from people with European ancestry. Consequently, polygenic risk scores performed using this information may not accurately predict the risk of developing the disease for individuals with other ethnicities, such as people with Asian ancestry. Here, Ho et al. evaluated how well previously calculated polygenic risk scores for the four most common cancers (breast, colorectal, prostate and lung) worked on individuals of East Asian descent. The scores were tested on a dataset containing the genetic sequence, medical history, diet and activity levels of over 21,000 people living in Singapore in the 1990s. Ho et al. found that the polygenic risk scores for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer were able to predict disease risk. However, the score for lung cancer did not perform as well. The polygenic risk score for breast cancer was the most accurate, and was able to stratify individuals into distinct risk bands at an earlier age than other scores. These findings shed light on which existing polygenic risk scores will be effective at assessing cancer risk in individuals with East Asian ancestry. Indeed, Ho et al. have already incorporated the polygenic risk score for breast cancer into a pilot study screening individuals in a comparable population in Singapore. However, the polygenic risk scores tested still performed better on individuals with European ancestry, highlighting the need to address the lack of Asian representation in genome-wide association studies.
- Addendum
1
- 10.1161/str.0000000000000182
- Jan 1, 2019
- Stroke
Correction to: Polygenic Risk for Depression Increases Risk of Ischemic Stroke From the Stroke Genetics Network Study.
- Research Article
8
- 10.3389/fgene.2023.1286561
- Nov 23, 2023
- Frontiers in genetics
Polygenic risk score (PRS) predictions often show bias toward the population of available genome-wide association studies (GWASs), which is typically of European ancestry. This study aimed to assess the performance differences of ancestry-specific PRS and test the implementation of multi-ancestry PRS to enhance the generalizability of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol predictions in the East Asian (EAS) population. In this study, we computed ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry PRSs for LDL using data obtained from the Global Lipid Genetics Consortium, while accounting for population-specific linkage disequilibrium patterns using the PRS-CSx method in the United Kingdom Biobank dataset (UKB, n = 423,596) and Taiwan Biobank dataset (TWB, n = 68,978). Population-specific PRSs were able to predict LDL levels better within the target population, whereas multi-ancestry PRSs were more generalizable. In the TWB dataset, covariate-adjusted R 2 values were 9.3% for ancestry-specific PRS, 6.7% for multi-ancestry PRS, and 4.5% for European-specific PRS. Similar trends (8.6%, 7.8%, and 6.2%) were observed in the smaller EAS population of the UKB (n = 1,480). Consistent with R 2 values, PRS stratification in EAS regions (TWB) effectively captured a heterogenous variability in LDL blood cholesterol levels across PRS strata. The mean difference in LDL levels between the lowest and highest EAS-specific PRS (EAS_PRS) deciles was 0.82, compared to 0.59 for European-specific PRS (EUR_PRS) and 0.76 for multi-ancestry PRS. Notably, the mean LDL values in the top decile of multi-ancestry PRS were comparable to those of EAS_PRS (3.543 vs. 3.541, p = 0.86). Our analysis of the PRS prediction model for LDL cholesterol further supports the issue of PRS generalizability across populations. Our targeted analysis of the EAS population revealed that integrating non-European genotyping data with a powerful European-based GWAS can enhance the generalizability of LDL PRS.
- Research Article
- 10.1210/clinem/dgag171
- Apr 16, 2026
- The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
This study investigated the association of polygenic risk scores (PRS) and lifestyle factors with type 2 diabetes mellitus development in Japanese populations and evaluated whether PRS can improve diabetes risk prediction beyond traditional risk factors. We conducted a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study using the Shika resident cohort (n = 895) and the Toshiba worker cohort (n = 7,019), respectively. Participants were categorized into low, intermediate, and high genetic risk groups using PRS constructed with genome-wide association study data from East Asian populations. We defined diabetes based on hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, self-reported diagnosis, or medication use. The associations of PRS and lifestyle factors with diabetes development were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Higher PRS were associated with increased diabetes risk in both cohorts (resident cohort: odds ratio 4.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.53-8.04; worker cohort: hazard ratio 1.82, 95% CI 1.48-2.24 for high vs. low PRS), which remained consistent across age, body mass index, and comorbidities. Regular exercise, absence of hypertension, and absence of dyslipidemia were associated with lower diabetes risk, particularly in the high PRS group. The addition of PRS to conventional prediction models improved the discrimination of diabetes risk. PRS are associated with diabetes risk in Japanese general populations, independent of traditional risk factors. Nonetheless, healthy lifestyle habits may reduce diabetes risk even among genetically susceptible individuals, which support the utility of PRS for personalized diabetes risk assessment and prevention strategies.
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs21-p3-13-01
- Feb 15, 2022
- Cancer Research
Introduction: Mammography reduces breast cancer mortality, however, there is controversy surrounding when and how often women should undergo mammography screening. Knowledge of short-term risk of developing breast cancer, particularly poor prognosis breast cancer, would help direct more intensive screening to those at highest risk. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are emerging as a powerful tool to predict breast cancer risk, however, few studies have evaluated the associations of breast cancer PRS with short-term risk or with risk of poor prognosis breast cancers specifically. Methods: Using a mammography screening cohort at Massachusetts General Hospital, we identified women who had a negative mammogram (BI-RADS assessment 1 or 2) from 2006 to 2015. We linked the cohort to a research biobank to obtain genetic information. In addition, we recruited 205 patients who developed breast cancer within 2 years of a negative mammogram to provide a DNA sample. Women with a prior history of breast cancer, with breast implants, and who were not residents of Massachusetts were excluded. Samples were genotyped using the Illumina Multi-Ethnic GWAS/Exome SNP (MEGA) array. Genotypes were imputed using TOPMed (Version r2 2020). Patients whose saliva DNA samples had low concentration or that failed quality control procedures were excluded. Ancestry specific principal components were generated and used as a covariate. We generated the 313-SNP breast cancer PRS, the estrogen receptor positive (ER+) PRS and the estrogen receptor negative (ER-) PRS using established methods. (PMID: 30554720) Breast cancers were defined as poor prognosis if they were metastatic, had positive lymph nodes, were ER/PR+HER2- and &gt 2cm or ER/PR/HER2- or HER2+ and &gt 1cm. (PMID: 33169794) Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios for standardized PRS measures, adjusted for age, breast density, race/ethnicity, year of screening, and ancestry principal components. Results: After exclusions, 308 breast cancers and 3329 non-cases were analyzed. Of the breast cancers, 86% were ER/PR+ (264/308) and 14% were ER/PR- (42/308), and 137 (44%) were poor prognosis. The majority of patients were non-Hispanic White (87%) and the mean age was 57 years and was similar for cancers and non-cancers. Cancer cases were more likely than non-cases to have higher breast density and a family history of breast cancer. First, we examined the overall breast cancer PRS, and found the PRS was significantly associated with breast cancer diagnosed within two years of a negative mammogram (OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.23-1.57, p &lt 0.001). The PRS was also significantly associated specifically with diagnosis of poor prognosis disease (OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.45, p=0.037). In addition, the ER+ PRS was significantly associated with ER/PR+ breast cancer (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.24-1.61, p &lt 0.001), and the ER- PRS was significantly associated with ER- breast cancer (OR=1.48, 95% CI 1.08-2.02, p=0.015). Conclusion: Even after adjusting for breast density and other risk factors, breast cancer PRS was significantly associated with diagnosis of both breast cancer overall and poor prognosis breast cancer within two years of a negative mammogram. Furthermore, the subtype specific PRS were significantly associated with short-term risk of ER+ and ER- disease. These results suggest that PRS may be useful in guiding decisions about screening interval and supplemental screening, given the association of PRS with risk of poor prognosis disease in the short term. Table 1.Logistic Regression of PRS and cancer diagnosis within 2 years of a negative mammogramOR95% CIp-valueAll Cancers (N=308), Overall PRS1.391.23-1.571.78x10-7Poor prognosis (N=147), Overall PRS1.211.01-1.450.037ER+ cancers (N=264), ER+ PRS1.421.24-1.621.87x10-7ER- cancers (N=42), ER- PRS1.521.11-2.090.008 Citation Format: Anne Marie McCarthy, Alisa K. Manning, Sarah Hsu, Beverly Moy, Constance D. Lehman, Katrina Armstrong. Association of polygenic risk score with 2 year risk of poor prognosis breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-13-01.
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-2260
- Jun 15, 2022
- Cancer Research
Purpose: It is difficult to identify people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who are at high risk for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A polygenic risk score (PRS) for hepatic fat derived from non-Asians has been reported to be associated with HCC risk in European populations. However, population level data of this risk in non-European populations are lacking. Methods: Utilizing resources from the Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS), we examined the relationship between the previously published hepatic fat PRS (HFC-PRS) and HCC risk. We also constructed and evaluated a NAFLD-related PRS (NAFLD-PRS); the final version included SNPs in similar gene regions as the HFC-PRS but weighted by effect estimates for NAFLD among those with East Asian ancestry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of HCC incidence with both HFC-PRS and NAFLD-PRS. Results: The HFC-PRS and NAFLD-PRS were highly correlated (Spearman r = 0.79, P < 0.001). The highest quartiles of both the HFC-PRS and the NAFLD-PRS were associated with significantly increased risk of HCC with HR of 2.39 (95% CI 1.51, 3.78) and 1.77 (95% CI 1.15, 2.73), respectively, compared to their respective lowest quartile. Conclusion: The HFC-PRS and the NAFLD-PRS may both be useful in stratifying Asian populations according to their risk of HCC. In addition, the association between the NAFLD-PRS, derived from East Asians, and HCC risk suggests a potential causal role for NAFLD in the development of HCC in this population. Citation Format: Claire E. Thomas, Brenda Diergaarde, Allison L. Kuipers, Jennifer J. Adibi, Hung N. Luu, Xuling Chang, Rajkumar Dorajoo, Chew-Kiat Heng, Chiea-Chuen Khor, Renwei Wang, Aizhen Jin, Woon-Puay Koh, Jian-Min Yuan. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease polygenic risk score and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in an East Asian population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2260.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1136/jech-2019-ssmabstracts.162
- Sep 1, 2019
- Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
BackgroundAn emerging technique is a Phenome Wide Association Study (PheWAS), which reverses the phenotype to genotype methods used within a GWAS, instead taking a pre-determined set of genetic variants, and...
- Discussion
19
- 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19080825
- Oct 1, 2019
- American Journal of Psychiatry
Polygenic Risk Scores in Schizophrenia: Ready for the Real World?
- Research Article
44
- 10.1186/s13073-023-01156-9
- Jan 24, 2023
- Genome Medicine
BackgroundThe genetic architectures of colorectal cancer are distinct across different populations. To date, the majority of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are derived from European (EUR) populations, which limits their accurate extrapolation to other populations. Here, we aimed to generate a PRS by incorporating East Asian (EAS) and EUR ancestry groups and validate its utility for colorectal cancer risk assessment among different populations.MethodsA large-scale colorectal cancer genome-wide association study (GWAS), harboring 35,145 cases and 288,934 controls from EAS and EUR populations, was used for the EAS-EUR GWAS meta-analysis and the construction of candidate EAS-EUR PRSs via different approaches. The performance of each PRS was then validated in external GWAS datasets of EAS (727 cases and 1452 controls) and EUR (1289 cases and 1284 controls) ancestries, respectively. The optimal PRS was further tested using the UK Biobank longitudinal cohort of 355,543 individuals and ultimately applied to stratify individual risk attached by healthy lifestyle.ResultsIn the meta-analysis across EAS and EUR populations, we identified 48 independent variants beyond genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8) at previously reported loci. Among 26 candidate EAS-EUR PRSs, the PRS-CSx approach-derived PRS (defined as PRSCSx) that harbored genome-wide variants achieved the optimal discriminatory ability in both validation datasets, as well as better performance in the EAS population compared to the PRS derived from known variants. Using the UK Biobank cohort, we further validated a significant dose-response effect of PRSCSx on incident colorectal cancer, in which the risk was 2.11- and 3.88-fold higher in individuals with intermediate and high PRSCSx than in the low score subgroup (Ptrend = 8.15 × 10−53). Notably, the detrimental effect of being at a high genetic risk could be largely attenuated by adherence to a favorable lifestyle, with a 0.53% reduction in 5-year absolute risk.ConclusionsIn summary, we systemically constructed an EAS-EUR PRS to effectively stratify colorectal cancer risk, which highlighted its clinical implication among diverse ancestries. Importantly, these findings also supported that a healthy lifestyle could reduce the genetic impact on incident colorectal cancer.
- Research Article
11
- 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147573
- Sep 21, 2023
- Frontiers in immunology
Autoimmune disorders (ADs) are a group of about 80 disorders that occur when self-attacking autoantibodies are produced due to failure in the self-tolerance mechanisms. ADs are polygenic disorders and associations with genes both in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region and outside of it have been described. Previous studies have shown that they are highly comorbid with shared genetic risk factors, while epidemiological studies revealed associations between various lifestyle and health-related phenotypes and ADs. Here, for the first time, we performed a comparative polygenic risk score (PRS) - Phenome Wide Association Study (PheWAS) for 11 different ADs (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Celiac Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Myasthenia Gravis, Type 1 Diabetes, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Vitiligo Late Onset, Vitiligo Early Onset) and 3,254 phenotypes available in the UK Biobank that include a wide range of socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related outcomes. Additionally, we investigated the genetic relationships of the studied ADs, calculating their genetic correlation and conducting cross-disorder GWAS meta-analyses for the observed AD clusters. In total, we identified 508 phenotypes significantly associated with at least one AD PRS. 272 phenotypes were significantly associated after excluding variants in the HLA region from the PRS estimation. Through genetic correlation and genetic factor analyses, we identified four genetic factors that run across studied ADs. Cross-trait meta-analyses within each factor revealed pleiotropic genome-wide significant loci. Overall, our study confirms the association of different factors with genetic susceptibility for ADs and reveals novel observations that need to be further explored.
- Research Article
6
- 10.1093/humrep/deae060
- Mar 25, 2024
- Human reproduction (Oxford, England)
Are there associations of age at menarche (AAM) with health-related outcomes in East Asians? AAM is associated with osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), glaucoma, and uterine fibroids, as demonstrated through observational studies, polygenic risk scores, genetic correlations, and Mendelian randomization (MR), with additional findings indicating a causal effect of BMI and T2D on earlier AAM. Puberty timing is linked to adult disease risk, but research predominantly focuses on European populations, with limited studies in other groups. We performed an AAM genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 57890 Han Taiwanese females and examined the association between AAM and 154 disease outcomes using the Taiwanese database. Additionally, we examined genetic correlations between AAM and 113 diseases and 67 phenotypes using Japanese GWAS summary statistics. We performed AAM GWAS and gene-based GWAS studies to obtain summary statistics and identify potential AAM-related genes. We applied phenotype, polygenic risk scores, and genetic correlation analyses of AAM to explore health-related outcomes, using multivariate regression and linkage disequilibrium score regression analyses. We also explored potential bidirectional causal relationships between AAM and related outcomes through univariable and multivariable MR analyses. Fifteen lead single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 24 distinct genes were associated with AAM in Taiwan. AAM was genetically associated with later menarche and menopause, greater height, increased osteoporosis risk, but lower BMI, and reduced risks of T2D, glaucoma, and uterine fibroids in East Asians. Bidirectional MR analyses indicated that higher BMI/T2D causally leads to earlier AAM. Our findings were specific to Han Taiwanese individuals, with genetic correlation analyses conducted in East Asians. Further research in other ethnic groups is necessary. Our study provides insights into the genetic architecture of AAM and its health-related outcomes in East Asians, highlighting causal links between BMI/T2D and earlier AAM, which may suggest potential prevention strategies for early puberty. The work was supported by China Medical University, Taiwan (CMU110-S-17, CMU110-S-24, CMU110-MF-49, CMU111-SR-158, CMU111-MF-105, CMU111-MF-21, CMU111-S-35, CMU112-SR-30, and CMU112-MF-101), the China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan (DMR-111-062, DMR-111-153, DMR-112-042, DMR-113-038, and DMR-113-103), and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST 111-2314-B-039-063-MY3, MOST 111-2314-B-039-064-MY3, MOST 111-2410-H-039-002-MY3, and NSTC 112-2813-C-039-036-B). The funders had no influence on the data collection, analyses, or conclusions of the study. No conflict of interests to declare. N/A.
- Research Article
51
- 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.2983
- Oct 27, 2021
- JAMA Psychiatry
Urban residence has been highlighted as an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia and, to a lesser extent, several other psychiatric disorders. However, few studies have explored genetic effects on the choice of residence. To investigate whether individuals with genetic predisposition to a range of psychiatric disorders have an increased likelihood to live in urban areas. A cross-sectional retrospective cohort study including genotypes, address history, and geographic distribution of population density in the UK based on census data from 1931-2011 was conducted. Polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses, genome-wide association studies, genetic correlation, and 2-sample mendelian randomization analyses were applied to 385 793 UK Biobank participants with self-reported or general practitioner registration-based address history. The study was conducted from February 2018 to May 2021, and data analysis was performed from April 2018 to May 2021. Population density of residence at different ages and movement during the life span between urban and rural environments. In this cohort study of 385 793 unrelated UK Biobank participants (207 963 [54%] were women; age, 37-73 years; mean [SD], 56.7 [8] years), PRS analyses showed significant associations with higher population density across adult life (age 25 to >65 years) reaching highest significance at the 45- to 55-year age group for schizophrenia (88 people/km2; 95% CI, 65-98 people/km2), bipolar disorder (44 people/km2; 95% CI, 34-54 people/km2), anorexia nervosa (36 people/km2; 95% CI, 22-50 people/km2), and autism spectrum disorder (35 people/km2; 95% CI, 25-45 people/km2). The schizophrenia PRS was also significantly associated with higher birthplace population density (37 people/km2; 95% CI, 19-55 people/km2; P = 8 × 10-5). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder PRS was significantly associated with reduced population density in adult life (-31 people/km2; 95% CI, -42 to -20 people/km2 at age 35-45 years). Individuals with higher PRS for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anorexia nervosa, and autism spectrum disorder and lower PRS for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder preferentially moved from rural environments to cities (difference in PRS with Tukey pairwise comparisons for schizophrenia: 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.60; bipolar disorder: 0.10; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.13; anorexia nervosa: 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.07; autism spectrum disorder: 0.04; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.06; and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: -0.09, 95% CI, -0.12 to -0.06). Genetic correlation results were largely consistent with PRS analyses, whereas mendelian randomization provided support for associations between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and living in high population-density areas. These findings suggest that a high genetic risk for a variety of psychiatric disorders may affect an individual's choice of residence. This result supports the hypothesis of genetic selection of an individual's environment, which intersects the traditional gene-environment dichotomy.
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-818
- Jul 1, 2021
- Cancer Research
Background and objective Genetic predisposition and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are established risk and preventive factors for colorectal cancer (CRC), respectively. We aimed to evaluate the joint associations of a polygenic risk score (PRS) and MHT on CRC risk for informing CRC prevention. Methods We used data from 28,486 postmenopausal women (11,519 cases and 16,967 controls) of European descent from 38 studies. MHT use was assessed as the use of any MHT, estrogen-only (E-only) or combined estrogen-progestogen (E+P) therapy at reference time. A PRS based on 141 genetic variants previously identified by genome-wide association studies of CRC was modelled as categorical variable in quartiles and also as per-standard deviation difference between PRS and minimum of PRS [(PRS-min(PRS))/SD(PRS)] (PRS.minsd). Multiplicative interaction between PRS and MHT was evaluated using standard logistic regression. Additive interaction was measured using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). Results The use of any MHT as well as E+P and E-only were associated with reduced CRC risk (Odds ratio [OR] 0.70, 0.71, 0.65, respectively). PRS was associated with increased CRC risk, whether as continuous variable (PRS.minsd) (OR 1.53) or in quartiles (OR 1.49, 1.92, 2.87, respectively). We identified statistically significant negative multiplicative interaction (OR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.87, 0.98) as well as negative additive interaction (RERI: -0.13; 95%CI: -0.15, -0.10) between PRS.minsd and any MHT use. Results were limited to additive interactions with PRS.minsd for E-only use (RERI: -0.14; 95%CI: -0.18, -0.11) and E+P use (RERI: -0.12; 95%CI: -0.16, -0.08). The magnitude of negative additive interactions increased with higher quartiles of PRS for all MHT variables and was consistently significant for the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile of PRS for any MHT use (RERI: -0.78; 95%CI: -1.03, -0.52), E-only use (RERI: -0.78; 95%CI: -1.18, -0.39), and also E+P use (RERI: -0.53; 95%CI: -0.96, -0.10). Negative multiplicative interaction was also observed for higher PRS quartiles of all MHT variables but significant only for the highest quartile with E-only use (OR: 0.73; 95%CI: 0.55, 0.97). These negative interactions on both multiplicative and additive scales indicate that MHT has a relatively more protective effect on CRC risk for those women with larger PRS scores. For example, compared to women in the lowest PRS quartile with no MHT use, the risk of CRC for women in higher quartiles of PRS was more strongly reduced with MHT use (ORPRS.Q3+noMHT: 1.93 vs ORPRS.Q3+MHT: 1.38, OR MHT/noMHT in PRS.Q3: 0.71; ORPRS.Q4+noMHT: 2.81 vs ORPRS.Q4+MHT: 1.77, OR MHT/noMHT in PRS.Q4: 0.63). Conclusions The protective effect of MHT use on the risk of CRC is stronger in women with higher genetic risk. Risk prediction models incorporating PRS may need to account for potential effect modification by non-genetic risk factors. Citation Format: Yu Tian, Yi Lin, Andre E. Kim, Stephanie A. Bien, Polly A. Newcomb, Graham Casey, Elizabeth A. Platz, Loic Le Marchand, Peter T. Campbell, Hermann Brenner, Michael Hoffmeister, Feng Guo, Xuechen Chen, Marc J. Gunter, Niki Dimou, Stephen B. Gruber, Andrew T. Chan, Amit D. Joshi, Sonja I. Berndt, Emily White, Victor Moreno, Ross L. Prentice, Ulrike Peters, William Gauderman, Li Hsu, Jenny Chang-Claude. Association of polygenic risk score and menopausal hormone therapy for colorectal cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 818.
- Research Article
185
- 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.04.001
- May 17, 2018
- The American Journal of Human Genetics
Association of Polygenic Risk Scores for Multiple Cancers in a Phenome-wide Study: Results from The Michigan Genomics Initiative