Causal association between allergic diseases and celiac disease: a bidirectional two-sample and multivariable...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
• Allergic diseases share immunological pathways with autoimmune conditions.
• The causal relationship between allergic diseases and CD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal effects of allergic diseases on celiac disease.
• To assess the causal relationship between celiac disease and allergic diseases using a bidirectional approach.

Main Methods:

• Summary-level data from genome-wide association studies were utilized.
• Bidirectional two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses were performed.
• Sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings.

Main Results:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) showed a significant causal effect on celiac disease (CD) (OR = 1.302, p < 0.001).
• Allergic rhinitis (AR) also demonstrated a significant causal effect on CD (OR = 4.181, p = 0.006).
• Asthma exhibited a suggestive causal effect on CD (OR = 1.186, p = 0.026) after Bonferroni correction. No causal effects were observed with CD as the exposure.

Conclusions:

• Atopic dermatitis is identified as a risk factor for celiac disease.
• A suggestive causal relationship exists between asthma and celiac disease.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting these conditions.