Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025
Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry CE-ICP-MS for Quantification of Iron Redox Species FeII, FeIII
Published on: May 4, 2020
Causal associations between iron levels in subcortical brain regions and psychiatric disorders: a Mendelian
Wei Du1, Biqiu Tang1, Senhao Liu1
1Department of Radiology, and Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Despite observational studies linking brain iron levels to psychiatric disorders, the exact causal relationship remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine the relationship between iron levels in specific subcortical brain regions and the risk of psychiatric disorders. Utilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, this study investigates the causal associations between iron level changes in 16 subcortical nuclei and eight major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia. The genetic instrumental variables linked to iron levels and psychiatric disorders were derived from the genome-wide association studies data of the UK Biobank Brain Imaging and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Bidirectional causal estimation was primarily obtained using the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method. Iron levels in the left substantia nigra showed a negative association with the risk of MDD (ORIVW = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91-0.97, p < 0.001) and trends with risk of SCZ (ORIVW = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82-0.98, p = 0.020). Conversely, iron levels in the left putamen were positively associated with the risk of ASD (ORIVW = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.04-1.19, p = 0.002). Additionally, several bidirectional trends were observed between subcortical iron levels and the risk for psychiatric disorders. Lower iron levels in the left substantia nigra may increase the risk of MDD, and potentially increase the risk of SCZ, indicating a potential shared pathogenic mechanism. Higher iron levels in the left putamen may lead to the development of ASD. The observed bidirectional trends between subcortical iron levels and psychiatric disorders, indicate the importance of the underlying biomechanical interactions between brain iron regulation and these disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...