Thyroid function and hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Hepatology
• Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between thyroid dysfunction and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis remains unclear.
• Inconsistent findings necessitate further investigation into potential causal links.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal association between thyroid function and hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis using Mendelian randomization.
• To provide insights for improved prevention and control strategies for liver disease.

Main Methods:

• Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for thyroid function (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, TSH) and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.
• Employed inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods for causal association analysis.
• Conducted heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses using Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out methods.

Main Results:

• Mendelian randomization suggested hypothyroidism is potentially associated with increased odds of hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis (OR = 1.247).
• Leave-one-out analyses confirmed the robustness of this association.
• Post-outlier removal, the association remained significant (OR = 1.266, P = 0.0046).

Conclusions:

• Hypothyroidism may elevate the risk of developing hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis.
• Findings may inform early screening and prevention strategies for liver disease.
• Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking hypothyroidism to liver fibrosis.