Exploring the effects of cheese intake on cholelithiasis through biomarkers: A Mendelian randomization study

This study assesses the causal relationship between intake of cheese and cholelithiasis through the analysis of relevant biomarkers using Mendelian randomization. Genetic variants associated with cheese intake were employed as instrumental variables to assess potential causal effects. Data from the OpenGWAS project and FinnGen Biobank were used, including biomarkers related to blood cells, blood biochemistry, and blood pressure. The analysis revealed that cheese intake significantly influences biomarkers such as apolipoprotein B, direct bilirubin, C-reactive protein, cystatin C, IGF-1, and sex hormone-binding globulin. Importantly, cheese consumption was found to have a protective effect on the risk of cholelithiasis (odds ratio = 0.624). A 2-step mediation analysis indicated that these biomarkers act as mediators between intake of cheese and cholelithiasis risk, with effects ranging from -2.13% to 7.22%. These findings suggest that intake of cheese may reduce susceptibility to gallstone formation by influencing metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Future research is needed to confirm these results in more diverse populations and explore underlying mechanisms further.