Type 1 diabetes and its complications affect preeclampsia: A Mendelian randomization analysis

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication.
• Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in pregnancy is linked to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
• The direct causal link between T1D and PE remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationship between Type 1 diabetes and Preeclampsia.
• To utilize Mendelian randomization to assess genetic predisposition to T1D and its effect on PE risk.

Main Methods:

• Employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR).
• Analyzed genetic variants associated with T1D to infer causal effects on PE.
• Adjusted for potential confounders like hypertension and Body Mass Index (BMI) in MVMR.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant causal association was found between T1D and PE (P = .003, OR = 1.048).
• Complications related to T1D also demonstrated a significant causal link with PE.
• Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings were robust, independent of hypertension and BMI.

Conclusions:

• Genetically predicted Type 1 diabetes is a causal risk factor for Preeclampsia.
• T1D complications contribute causally to the development of PE.
• Findings underscore the importance of managing T1D in pregnancy to mitigate PE risk.