Elevated C-reactive protein, depression, somatic diseases, and all-cause mortality: a mendelian randomization study
Marie Kim Wium-Andersen1, David Dynnes Orsted1, Børge Grønne Nordestgaard2
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; The Copenhagen General Population Study, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Biological Psychiatry
|November 20, 2013
Summary
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are linked to depression, but this study found no causal link. Genetically determined CRP did not increase depression risk, suggesting CRP is not a direct cause.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with numerous diseases, including depression.
- The causal relationship between CRP and depression remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal association between CRP and depression.
- To compare these findings with associations for cancer, ischemic heart disease, COPD, and all-cause mortality.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and instrumental variable analyses were conducted on 78,809 Danish adults.
- Data included plasma CRP levels, CRP genotypes, and endpoints such as depression, somatic diseases, antidepressant prescriptions, and mortality.
Main Results:
- A doubling in plasma CRP showed an observed odds ratio (OR) of 1.28 for depression.
- Genetically elevated CRP yielded a causal OR of 0.79 for depression (p = .03).
- Similar non-causal associations were observed for other diseases and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CRP is associated with depression risk in the general population.
- However, genetically elevated CRP is not causally linked to depression.
- CRP itself is not a causal risk factor for depression.
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