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Circulating cytokines and alcoholic liver disease: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Duan Wu1, Ouyang Hao1, Weiye Hu1
1Department of Hepatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 23, 2023
Summary
This study reveals that higher interleukin-7 (IL-7) levels increase alcoholic liver disease (ALD) risk, while tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) offers protection. Further research is needed for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by liver inflammation.
- The precise role of circulating cytokines in ALD development remains unclear.
- Investigating cytokine-genotype associations is crucial for understanding ALD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between circulating cytokines and alcoholic liver disease (ALD).
- To identify specific cytokines that may serve as risk or protective factors for ALD.
- To explore the influence of genetically predicted ALD on cytokine expression.
Main Methods:
- A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study was employed.
- Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data from European populations were utilized.
- Data included 41 cytokines and growth factors, with 1416 ALD cases and 217,376 controls.
Main Results:
- Elevated interleukin-7 (IL-7) levels were significantly associated with increased ALD risk (OR = 1.191, p=0.028).
- Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) demonstrated a protective effect against ALD (OR = 0.863, p=0.032).
- Genetically predicted ALD did not influence the expression of circulating cytokine regulators.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines play a significant role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease.
- IL-7 and TRAIL are identified as potential biomarkers for ALD risk and protection.
- Further basic research is necessary to elucidate mechanisms and clinical utility of these cytokines in ALD management.
