Association between keloid and mental disorders: perspective from genetic evidence

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychiatry
• Dermatology

Background:

• The relationship between keloid and mental health conditions is not well understood.
• Investigating potential causal links is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the potential causal association between keloid and the risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD), anxiety, schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• To employ a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess these genetic relationships.

Main Methods:

• Utilized large genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets for keloid and the specified mental disorders.
• Performed bidirectional MR analyses using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

Main Results:

• Keloid susceptibility was significantly associated with an increased risk of BD (OR=1.027) and SCZ (OR=1.023).
• A significant negative association was observed between keloid and PTSD (OR=0.903).
• No significant causal relationship was found between keloid and anxiety or MDD.

Conclusions:

• This MR study suggests a potential genetic link between keloid and increased risks for BD and SCZ, and a decreased risk for PTSD.
• No causal relationship was identified between keloid and anxiety or MDD.
• Highlights the importance of considering the mental health of keloid patients in clinical practice and providing psychological support.