The Causal Relationship Between Multiple Modifiable Risk Factors and Hallux Valgus: A Two-Sample Mendelian...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Hallux valgus (HV) is a prevalent foot deformity with multifactorial etiology.
• Understanding the causal role of modifiable lifestyle and metabolic factors is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal associations between modifiable lifestyle/metabolic factors and hallux valgus (HV) risk using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Main Methods:

• Selected independent genetic variants associated with lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, coffee, physical activity) and metabolic traits (BMI, blood pressure, lipids, diabetes).
• Employed a two-sample MR design utilizing large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data.
• Performed rigorous quality control for instrumental variables.

Main Results:

• Genetically predicted smoking initiation and lifetime smoking were significantly associated with increased HV risk (ORs 1.23 and 1.79, respectively).
• Higher body mass index (BMI) was also significantly associated with increased HV risk (OR 1.17).
• No significant causal associations were found for other investigated lifestyle or metabolic factors.

Conclusions:

• This study provides robust genetic evidence supporting a causal role for smoking and elevated BMI in the development of hallux valgus.
• Identifying these modifiable risk factors offers potential targets for effective prevention and management strategies for HV.