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The causal association between peripheral blood eosinophils and nasal polyps: a Mendelian randomization study

Guan-Jiang Huang1, Zi-Qing Chen1, Zhi-Jun Fan2

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|July 19, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Peripheral blood eosinophils causally increase the risk of nasal polyps. This Mendelian randomization study confirms a link previously only suggested by observational data.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Observational studies indicate a correlation between peripheral blood eosinophils and nasal polyp risk.
  • Causality has not been definitively established by prior research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential causal relationship between peripheral blood eosinophils and the risk of developing nasal polyps.
  • To apply Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causality, overcoming limitations of observational studies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetic instrumental variables from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of European ancestry.
  • Employed inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods for causal inference.
  • Conducted sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger intercept tests and leave-one-out analyses to ensure robustness.

Main Results:

  • Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a significant causal effect of peripheral blood eosinophils on the risk of nasal polyps.
  • Consistent findings were observed across multiple analytical methods (IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median).
  • Specific genetic variants showed a strong association with both eosinophil levels and nasal polyp risk.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral blood eosinophil levels have a causal impact on the increased risk of nasal polyps.
  • This study provides robust evidence for a causal link, supporting targeted interventions based on eosinophil levels.
Keywords:
CausalityMendelian randomizationNasal polypPeripheral blood eosinophilRisk

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