No causal link between herpes zoster and ischemic stroke: evidence from Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• The association between herpes zoster (HZ) and stroke remains unclear despite previous research.
• Investigating a potential causal relationship is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential causal link between herpes zoster (HZ) and ischaemic stroke using a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) study.
• To examine the association between HZ and various stroke subtypes.

Main Methods:

• Utilised a two-sample Mendelian randomisation approach.
• Identified genetic instrumental variables for HZ and stroke from large genome-wide association study databases.
• Employed inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods for analysis.
• Conducted heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analyses to ensure result validity.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant association was found between genetically predicted HZ and overall stroke risk (OR 1.041, p=0.336).
• This lack of association persisted across all examined stroke subtypes, including ischaemic, large vessel, cardioembolic, small vessel, and lacunar stroke.
• Specific results for stroke subtypes showed no significant causal link.

Conclusions:

• The MR study did not establish a causal relationship between herpes zoster and ischaemic stroke.
• Further investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms is warranted to fully elucidate any potential connection.