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Causal relationship between obesity and anorectal abscess: a Mendelian randomization study
XiaoYu Zeng1, HanYu Wang1, Yang Deng2
1Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
Background:
Observational studies have indicated that obesity is a risk factor for anorectal abscess (ARB). However, it remains unclear whether a causal genetic relationship exists between obesity and ARB.
Methods:
Univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) were conducted using data from a large, published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry to infer a causal relationship between obesity and ARB. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis served as the primary analysis method, with results reported as odds ratios (OR).
Results:
MR analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) positively affects ARB (OR 1.974, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.548-2.519, p = 4.34 × 10-8). The weighted median method (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.248-2.829, p = 0.002) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.477-2.392, p = 2.85 × 10-7) also demonstrated consistent results. Subsequently, the impact of several obesity-related characteristics on ARB was assessed. Body fat percentage (BF), whole body fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were found to be causally associated with an increased risk of ARB. However, these associations vanished after adjusting for BMI effects.
Conclusion:
The study confirms a positive causal effect of obesity on ARB, highlighting that reasonable weight control is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of ARB.
Insights
Obesity is a significant risk factor for anorectal abscess (ARB). This study confirms a causal link, suggesting weight management can reduce ARB incidence.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest obesity is a risk factor for anorectal abscess (ARB).
- A definitive causal genetic link between obesity and ARB has not been established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal genetic relationship between obesity and anorectal abscess (ARB).
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from European ancestry.
- Employed inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary analysis method, supported by weighted median and Bayesian model averaging.
Main Results:
- Confirmed a positive causal effect of body mass index (BMI) on ARB risk (OR 1.974).
- Obesity-related traits like body fat percentage and waist circumference showed causal associations with ARB, which were mediated by BMI.
Conclusions:
- Establishes a causal relationship between obesity and increased risk of anorectal abscess (ARB).
- Recommends weight control as a key strategy for reducing ARB incidence.
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