Association between Lipids, Apolipoproteins and Telomere Length: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Metabolic Health
• Biomarkers

Background:

• The interplay between lipids, apolipoproteins, and telomere length (TL) is complex.
• Previous research suggests associations, but a clear causal link remains elusive.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for metabolic and aging research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationships between various lipids and apolipoproteins with telomere length (TL).
• To employ a robust two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach for assessing causality.
• To differentiate direct effects from indirect or confounding influences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.
• Analyzed 21 lipid and apolipoprotein exposures against telomere length (TL) outcome.
• Applied Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), Weighted Median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO for robust analysis and sensitivity testing.

Main Results:

• Univariate MR indicated positive associations between monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), MUFA/fatty acid ratio, LDL-C, VLDL-C, total cholesterol, ApoB, and triglycerides (TG) with increased TL.
• Multivariate MR analysis did not confirm these associations, suggesting preliminary or indirect effects.
• Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the reliability of the findings.

Conclusions:

• Mendelian randomization analysis suggests potential, albeit preliminary, positive causal links between specific lipid profiles (MUFA, LDL-C, VLDL-C, total cholesterol, ApoB, TG) and telomere length (TL).
• Further investigation is warranted to confirm these associations and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
• These findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between metabolic factors and cellular aging.