The association of metabolic syndrome with rotator cuff tendinopathy: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Observational research reported the underlying correlation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT), but their causality remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether genetically predicted MetS was related to the risk of RCT.

Both univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied using summary-level data from the most comprehensive genome-wide association studies to estimate the associations of MetS and its component with RCT, with the inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method, and the method of Causal Analysis Using Summary Effect Estimates (CAUSE) as a supplement for false positives detection. The mediation analysis was furtherly used for the assessment of direct and indirect effects.

Univariable analysis revealed that genetically predicted MetS (OR: 1.0793; 95% CI 1.0311 to 1.1297), body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.2239; 95% CI 1.1357 to 1.3189), and waist circumference (WAC) (OR 1.3177; 95% CI 1.2015 to 1.4451) had a significant positive association with the risk of RCT. Triglycerides and systolic blood pressure were suggestively associated with RCT risk. These associations were also identified by CAUSE. There was independent causality of BMI (OR: 1.1806; 95% CI 1.0788 to 1.2920) and WAC (OR 1.3716; 95% CI 1.2076 to 1.5580) on RCT after adjustment for confounders. No mediator was found in the causal associations.

Our study revealed the genetic causality of MetS and its components, especially BMI and WAC, with RCT risk. Early prevention and diagnosis of excess central adiposity contributing to MetS are significant in the RCT risk management.