Investigating the causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction diseases and osteoporosis: a two-sample Mendelian...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Genetics
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Thyroid dysfunction diseases (TDFDs) and osteoporosis (OP) are prevalent globally.
• A potential association exists between TDFDs and OP, but causal links are not fully established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between TDFDs and the risk of developing OP and related fractures.
• Utilizing Mendelian randomization to assess genetic predisposition.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from European populations for TDFDs and OP.
• Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) as the primary method.
• Sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger and weighted median to ensure robustness and assess pleiotropy.

Main Results:

• MR analysis indicated a causal link between TDFDs and an increased risk of OP.
• Specific findings showed elevated OP risk in hypothyroidism (OR=1.14) and hyperthyroidism (OR=1.09).
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed the absence of significant horizontal pleiotropy, supporting the causal inference.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction diseases causally increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Highlights the necessity for early bone mineral density (BMD) screening in TDFD patients.
• Emphasizes proactive prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with TDFDs to mitigate fracture risk.