Causal relationship between basal metabolic rate and intervertebral disc degeneration: a Mendelian randomization...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Metabolism
• Orthopedics

Background:

• The connection between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) remains unclear.
• A Mendelian randomization (MR) study was designed to investigate the potential causal link between BMR and IVDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if BMR has a causal effect on the risk of developing IVDD.
• To explore the independent effect of BMR on IVDD, considering factors like BMI, height, and weight.

Main Methods:

• Utilized large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for BMR and FinnGen project data for IVDD.
• Employed Mendelian randomization (MR) with inverse-variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical method.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses and multivariable MR to ensure robustness and assess direct effects.

Main Results:

• A genetic predisposition to higher BMR was significantly associated with an increased risk of IVDD (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.37-1.63).
• Increased height, weight, and BMI also correlated with higher IVDD risk.
• The causal association between BMR and IVDD remained significant even after adjusting for BMI, height, and weight.

Conclusions:

• Higher basal metabolic rate (BMR) is independently and causally associated with an elevated risk of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).
• These findings suggest that BMR management could be a potential strategy for mitigating IVDD risk.