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The association between schizophrenia and white blood cells count: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization
Zibo Gao1, Biao Li1, Xinru Guo1
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, China.
BMC Psychiatry
|April 19, 2023
Summary
This study found that higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, including specific types like lymphocytes and neutrophils, are causally linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia. These findings suggest a potential biological connection between immune function and schizophrenia development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Immunology
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest a link between white blood cell (WBC) counts and schizophrenia risk.
- The causal nature of this association remains undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between schizophrenia and various white blood cell (WBC) count traits.
- To utilize bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses for robust causal inference.
Main Methods:
- Employed bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.
- Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for schizophrenia and six WBC count traits.
- Applied stringent criteria for instrument variable selection, including genome-wide significance and linkage disequilibrium clumping.
Main Results:
- Genetically predicted schizophrenia showed a positive association with elevated WBC count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, basophil count, eosinophil count, and monocyte count.
- Reverse MR analysis indicated no association between WBC count traits and schizophrenia risk.
- FDR-adjusted P < 0.05 was used to determine potential causal effects.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia risk is causally associated with elevated levels of white blood cells (WBCs), including specific subtypes.
- Findings support a biological link between immune system activity and schizophrenia pathophysiology.
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