The potential association between metabolic disorders and pulmonary tuberculosis: a Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Metabolic disorders are linked to various diseases.
• The association between metabolic disorders and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between metabolic factors and PTB using Mendelian Randomization.
• To identify specific metabolic disorders associated with PTB incidence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) with genome-wide association study data from BioBank Japan.
• Analyzed 14 clinical factors categorized into metabolic markers, blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome diagnostic factors.
• Employed inverse variance-weighted (IVW) models and sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO).

Main Results:

• Two-sample MR indicated positive correlations between HDL-C, HbA1c, TP, and DM with active TB incidence.
• Multivariable MR revealed positive associations of HDL-C, LDL, and TG with PTB risk.
• TC showed a negative correlation with PTB occurrence.
• DM and HDL-C were identified as direct risk factors for PTB.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic disorders, particularly hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, are significantly associated with the incidence of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Genetic analysis supports a causal link between specific metabolic factors and PTB risk.