Common autoimmune diseases and urticaria: the causal relationship from a bidirectional two-sample mendelian...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Urticaria pathogenesis involves complex immune responses.
• Understanding genetic links between urticaria and autoimmune diseases is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bidirectional genetic causal associations between urticaria and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD).

Main Methods:

• Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
• Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from large consortia.
• Employed inverse variance weighted (IVW) method with comprehensive sensitivity analyses.

Main Results:

• A significant genetic causal link was found between RA and urticaria (OR = 1.091).
• Urticaria showed a significant genetic causal association with SLE (OR = 1.289).
• No significant genetic causal relationships were detected between urticaria and UC or CD.

Conclusions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is identified as a predisposing factor for urticaria.
• Urticaria is suggested as a potential risk factor for developing SLE.
• Clinical vigilance for urticaria in RA patients and for SLE in urticaria patients is recommended.