Potential causal link between dietary intake and epilepsy: a bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science
• Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

• Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder with uncertain dietary risk factors.
• Investigating causal links between diet and epilepsy is crucial for public health.
• Dietary intake represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the causal relationship between dietary intake and epilepsy.
• To utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis for robust causal inference.
• To explore the impact of specific dietary factors on epilepsy risk.

Main Methods:

• Employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
• Utilized Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data for dietary factors and epilepsy.
• Applied various MR methods including IVW, weighted median, MR-Egger, and BWMR, with sensitivity analyses.

Main Results:

• A significant protective association was found between non-oily fish intake and reduced epilepsy risk (OR=0.281, p=0.018).
• This protective effect was confirmed by Bayesian weighted MR and multivariable MR analyses.
• Reverse MR analysis indicated epilepsy may be associated with reduced water intake (OR=0.989, p=0.011).

Conclusions:

• Non-oily fish consumption demonstrates a causal protective effect against epilepsy.
• Epilepsy may influence an individual's water intake patterns.
• Findings support dietary recommendations for epilepsy management and prevention.