The associations between circulating amino acids and arterial aneurysms and dissection: A bidirectional Mendelian...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolomics
• Genetics

Background:

• Circulating amino acid levels can be altered in arterial aneurysms and dissection.
• The precise relationships between amino acids and these vascular conditions remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between circulating amino acid levels and arterial aneurysms and dissection.
• Utilized bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) for robust analysis.

Main Methods:

• Employed bidirectional two-sample MR analysis, assessing both amino acids as exposures and aneurysms/dissection as outcomes, and vice versa.
• Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from public databases (IEU open GWAS, GWAS Catalog, FinnGen R10).
• Analyzed data using multiple methods including Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) and MR-Egger, assessing heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Main Results:

• A negative correlation was observed between tyrosine levels and other aneurysms (OR: 0.57).
• Aortic dissection was associated with decreased circulating glycine levels (OR: 0.98).

Conclusions:

• Tyrosine levels show a potential protective effect against aneurysms.
• Aortic dissection may lead to reduced glycine levels, indicating a potential metabolic link.
• Findings support an interaction between circulating amino acids and the development of arterial aneurysms and dissection.