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Causal relationship between imaging-derived phenotypes and neurodegenerative diseases: a Mendelian randomization
Jiaxin Yang1, Chao Tang2,3
1School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China.
Summary
This study used Mendelian randomization to explore brain imaging links to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It identified several imaging-derived phenotypes potentially causing these conditions, offering new diagnostic and treatment insights.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive brain conditions with increasing prevalence due to aging populations.
- These diseases pose significant societal and economic burdens.
- Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases are crucial and often rely on imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationships between brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) and major neurodegenerative diseases.
- To apply robust statistical methods to identify specific IDPs associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Main Methods:
- A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed.
- Multiple MR methodologies were utilized to ensure reliable causal inference and minimize potential biases.
- The study examined associations between various IDPs and the selected neurodegenerative disease outcomes.
Main Results:
- Potential causal links were identified between specific IDPs and multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) showed associations with 2 IDPs.
- Parkinson's disease (PD) was linked to 8 IDPs, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to 11 IDPs.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) each had associations with 1 IDP.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that certain brain imaging-derived phenotypes may causally influence the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
- This research provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of AD, PD, ALS, MS, and FTD.
- The identified relationships offer potential avenues for improved prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies for these debilitating conditions.
