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'Mendelian randomization': an approach for exploring causal relations in epidemiology.
V Gupta1, G K Walia2, M P Sachdeva1
1Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
Public Health
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Mendelian randomization (MR) is a powerful approach that uses genetic variants to establish causal links between exposures and diseases, overcoming limitations of observational studies and randomized controlled trials.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Observational studies often show associations that are not causal.
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be infeasible or unethical for certain exposures.
- Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a complementary approach to investigate causality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and impact of the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
- To assess MR's role in advancing observational epidemiology for causal inference.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of studies on the principles, strengths, limitations, and achievements of MR.
- Analysis of how MR utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables.
Main Results:
- MR provides a feasible method, similar to RCTs, for inferring causality.
- It uses genetic variants linked to exposures to detect causal associations with disease outcomes.
- MR has successfully identified causal relationships that were previously uncertain.
Conclusions:
- Mendelian randomization (MR) has significantly advanced methodologically over the past decade.
- MR is increasingly accepted by epidemiologists for establishing causal relationships.
- The application of MR is expanding, particularly in the study of non-communicable chronic diseases.