Neuroticism and inflammatory skin diseases: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Psychiatry
• Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between inflammatory skin diseases and mental health.
• The specific role of neuroticism and its subclusters in these conditions is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal associations between common inflammatory skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis) and neuroticism, including its subclusters.
• To explore bidirectional relationships using Mendelian randomization.

Main Methods:

• Two-sample, bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.
• Utilized genome-wide association study data for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and neuroticism traits in European ancestry populations.
• Applied corrections for sample overlap and performed sensitivity analyses for pleiotropy.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis showed a significant causal association with increased worry (OR 1.011, P=3.84×10⁻⁶).
• Genetically predicted worry was associated with an elevated risk of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.227, P=3.97×10⁻³).
• No significant associations were found between neuroticism subclusters and psoriasis, or between atopic dermatitis and neuroticism traits.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a potential causal link between psoriasis and worry, and between worry and atopic dermatitis.
• These results highlight the importance of psychological factors, particularly worry and stress, in inflammatory skin conditions.
• Suggests potential for interventions targeting stress and worry in managing these dermatological conditions.