Assessing the Genetic Causal Effects Between Blood Metabolites and Spinal Pain: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Metabolomics
• Pain Research

Background:

• Previous metabolomics studies suggest blood metabolites are associated with pain.
• The causal link between blood metabolites and spinal pain (SP) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between 452 blood metabolites and SP using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
• To identify specific blood metabolites that may causally influence SP or be affected by SP.

Main Methods:

• Bidirectional two-sample MR analysis was performed.
• Genome-wide association study data for 452 metabolites and SP phenotypes (neck pain, thoracic spine pain, low back pain, back pain) were utilized.
• Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) and sensitivity analyses were employed to ensure robust findings.

Main Results:

• The analysis identified 155 metabolites associated with SP risk.
• Additionally, 142 metabolites were found to be influenced by SP.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusions:

• This study provides evidence for potential causal effects between blood metabolites and SP.
• Findings suggest targeted interventions on specific blood metabolites could form a basis for SP prevention and treatment.
• The research elucidates potential biological mechanisms underlying SP pathogenesis.