Shared Genetic Basis, Biological Function and Causal Relationship Between Sleep Traits and Hypothyroidism: Evidence...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Endocrinology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder.
• Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in patients with hypothyroidism.
• The genetic basis for the co-occurrence of these conditions remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic overlap between sleep traits and hypothyroidism.
• To identify shared genetic factors contributing to both conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized large-scale genomewide association studies (GWAS) data.
• Employed colocalization, crossphenotype association, and linkage disequilibrium score regression analyses.
• Performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses for causal inference.

Main Results:

• Identified significant genetic correlations between hypothyroidism and daytime napping (rg=-0.0982, P=0.0007) and morning wake times (rg=-0.101, P=0.0001).
• Discovered shared genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in thyroid, lung, brain, and lymphatic tissues, implicated in protein transport and inflammatory responses.
• Confirmed associations between hypothyroidism and sleep duration (OR 1.5208) and morning wake times (OR 1.8375), with no evidence of a causal link from sleep traits to hypothyroidism via reverse MR.

Conclusions:

• Established genetic correlations between specific sleep traits and hypothyroidism.
• Findings suggest shared genetic underpinnings that may contribute to the observed comorbidity.
• Results provide a foundation for further research into the etiology of hypothyroidism and sleep disorders and potential therapeutic targets.