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The causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm: Evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis
1Department of Cardiology Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital No. 4, Jinghong, Yunnan.
Medicine
|September 11, 2024
Summary
Smoking significantly increases the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm. This Mendelian randomization study provides genetic evidence for a causal link, highlighting smoking as a key risk factor for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The association between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) remains debated.
- Systematic investigation is crucial to clarify the causal relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm using Mendelian randomization.
- To provide genetic evidence for smoking as a risk factor for TAA.
Main Methods:
- Mendelian randomization analysis utilizing genetic data from genome-wide association studies.
- Inverse variance weighting as the primary analytical method.
- Sensitivity analyses and meta-analysis to assess reliability and causal effects.
Main Results:
- A positive causal association was found between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- Odds ratios indicated increased TAA risk with smoking (e.g., OR=2.07, P=.024).
- No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was detected, supporting the causal inference.
Conclusions:
- Mendelian randomization confirms a causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- Genetic evidence supports smoking as a significant risk factor for TAA.
- Findings offer insights for targeted interventions to reduce TAA incidence.
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