Causality Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Suicide Attempt: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is correlated with suicidal behavior, but causality is unproven.
• Understanding the causal link is vital for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and suicide attempts using Mendelian randomization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) with large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data.
• Employed inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods for robust causal inference.
• Assessed pleiotropy and heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO; controlled for confounders via multivariable MR.

Main Results:

• Found significant evidence for a causal effect of IBS on increased suicide attempt risk (OR = 1.67).
• Results were consistent across primary and validation datasets and robust to sensitivity analyses.
• The causal link persisted after accounting for depression, anxiety, and abdominal pain.

Conclusions:

• Mendelian randomization analysis supports a causal relationship between IBS and elevated suicide risk.
• Recommends early detection and intervention for suicidal ideation in IBS patients.
• Highlights the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms linking IBS and suicidal behavior.