Effect of trace elements and nutrients on 21 autoimmune diseases: a Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Human Genetics
• Nutritional Science
• Immunology

Background:

• Clinical studies suggest a link between serum trace elements, nutrients, and autoimmune diseases.
• The genetic causal relationship between these factors and autoimmune diseases remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal effects of serum trace elements and nutrients on 21 autoimmune diseases.
• To utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) for assessing these genetic causal relationships.

Main Methods:

• Employed Mendelian randomization (MR) using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from UK Biobank and FinnGen.
• Analyzed 9 trace elements and 6 vitamins against 21 autoimmune diseases.
• Utilized inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, and weighted median methods, with sensitivity analyses including MR-PRESSO and heterogeneity tests.

Main Results:

• Elevated copper levels were associated with increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune hyperthyroidism, but decreased risk of ulcerative colitis.
• Carotene showed a negative causal effect on adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).
• Calcium levels were negatively associated with polyarteritis nodosa risk; selenium and copper were linked to autoimmune hyperthyroidism risk.

Conclusions:

• Both univariable and multivariable MR analyses confirm causal relationships between specific trace elements, nutrients, and autoimmune diseases.
• Findings offer potential targets for novel prevention and treatment strategies in autoimmune disease management.