Genetically predicted basal metabolic rate and infectious diseases: a Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Medicine
• Metabolic Research
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The connection between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and infectious diseases is not well understood.
• Previous research has linked high BMR to COVID-19 and immune activation, but its role in other infections is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and various infectious diseases.
• To clarify the association between BMR and the risk of developing infections.

Main Methods:

• Utilized genome-wide association studies (GWASs) data from UK Biobank and FinnGen cohorts.
• Employed Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses.
• Conducted mediation and sensitivity analyses to confirm findings and explore mediating factors.

Main Results:

• Genetically predicted BMR was positively associated with increased risk of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), osteomyelitis, all-cause infections, and sepsis.
• MVMR confirmed a direct causal effect of BMR on SSTIs, all-cause infections, and sepsis.
• Mediation analysis identified visceral adipose tissue (VAT), HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), and body mass index (BMI) as potential mediators in the BMR-infection relationship.

Conclusions:

• Elevated BMR is significantly linked to a higher risk of SSTIs, osteomyelitis, and bacterial infections.
• The findings underscore the intricate relationship between BMR and the immune system, relevant for disease control strategies.
• Higher BMR may serve as a predictive indicator for increased susceptibility to certain infections, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for BMR modulation.