Causality between aging and interstitial lung disease: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Gerontology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Aging is linked to adverse health outcomes in interstitial lung disease (ILD).
• The causal link between aging phenotypes and ILD risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between aging phenotypes (facial aging, telomere length) and interstitial lung disease risk using Mendelian randomization.

Main Methods:

• Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.
• Utilized genome-wide association study data for single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables.
• Employed various statistical methods including inverse variance weighting and weighted median analysis.

Main Results:

• Facial aging was associated with increased ILD risk (OR: 2.336, P=0.007).
• Shorter telomere length was linked to higher ILD risk (OR: 0.632, P<0.001).
• No significant reverse causality was observed from ILD to aging phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Facial aging is a significant risk factor for interstitial lung disease.
• Telomere length is a protective factor against ILD.
• Anti-aging interventions may offer a novel strategy for ILD prevention and treatment.