Exploring the causal relationship between body mass index and keratoconus: a Mendelian randomization study
Jiaoman Wang1, Fangyuan Liu1, Jianhao Mo1
1The 2nd Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|July 25, 2024
Summary
Obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), is causally linked to keratoconus. This finding suggests that increased BMI may increase the risk of developing keratoconus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- The relationship between obesity and keratoconus remains unclear.
- Existing research suggests a potential association, but causal evidence is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal link between body mass index (BMI) and keratoconus.
- To utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis for robust causal inference.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from public databases.
- Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using inverse variance weighted (IVW) method.
- Sensitivity analyses and meta-analysis to confirm findings.
Main Results:
- A significant causal relationship was identified between BMI and keratoconus.
- Meta-analysis confirmed the causal link, supporting obesity as a risk factor.
- While some analyses showed heterogeneity, overall results indicate a robust association.
Conclusions:
- Obesity, indicated by BMI, is a significant causal risk factor for keratoconus.
- Findings support public health initiatives aimed at managing obesity to potentially reduce keratoconus incidence.
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