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Mendelian randomization analysis: causal link between hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis and ovarian cancer
Hong Wang1, Caijuan Liang2, Yanqiu Yu3
1Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The Xiang'an Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, No.2000, Xiang'an East Road, Xindian Town, Xiang'an District, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China. 2454023755@qq.com.
Discover Oncology
|November 3, 2025
Summary
This study found hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis may causally increase ovarian cancer (OC) risk. Mendelian randomization analysis supported this link, with no evidence of pleiotropy or reverse causality.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a significant health concern.
- The potential link between hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis and OC risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis and ovarian cancer (OC) using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to identify genetic variants for hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis and OC.
- Applied inverse variance weighted (IVW) method for causal association analysis.
- Conducted heterogeneity, pleiotropy (MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO), and sensitivity (leave-one-out) analyses.
Main Results:
- Mendelian randomization analysis indicated a causal effect of hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis on increasing OC incidence (p < 0.05).
- No significant horizontal pleiotropy was detected (MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO tests).
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of the observed genetic associations.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests a potential causal relationship between hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Findings warrant further research into the underlying biological mechanisms.
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