Mendelian randomization analyses support causal relationships between systemic lupus erythematosus and brain...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Genetics
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect brain structure and function, leading to neuropsychiatric disorders (NPSLE).
• Subtle brain structure changes occur even in non-NPSLE patients.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method to assess nervous system involvement in SLE, but causal links remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between SLE and brain imaging phenotypes.
• To identify specific brain imaging traits associated with SLE using genetic data.

Main Methods:

• Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were employed.
• Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for 3,935 brain imaging data phenotypes (IDPs) from the UK Biobank were utilized as outcomes.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five statistically significant causal relationships were identified between SLE and brain IDPs.
• Affected brain regions included specific cortical areas, the anterior corona radiata, and the posterior limb of the internal capsule.
• These findings suggest potential pathways for neuropsychiatric symptoms in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

• The study provides strong genetic evidence for causal links between SLE and neuroimaging phenotypes.
• The identified associations offer a potential framework for daily assessment and monitoring of SLE patients.
• This research may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of NPSLE.