Insomnia Proven to be Associated With Prostate Cancer: A Genetic Correlation Study Incorporating Lifestyle Factors
Xiangyu Chen1, Lijun Xie1, Xiaoqiang Liu1
1Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052 Tianjin, China.
Background:
Mental disorders (MDs) are associated with prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes, but the results reported by different studies are inconsistent. Our aim was to explore the causal relationship between 10 MDs and PCa using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis.
Methods:
Our study was based on summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of PCa and 10 major MDs in the European population. The genetic locus data used in the analysis included variants associated with PCa and the 10 MDs. Causal estimates were calculated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, and sensitivity MR techniques, including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), were employed to evaluate potential horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. All statistical analyses were conducted using R software.
Results:
Our study did not find a causal relationship between PCa and the 10 MDs. In reverse MR analysis, a causal association between insomnia and PCa was found only for insomnia, which reduced PCa risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.9706; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9468-0.9951; p = 0.0188). However, after MVMR adjustment for habits (cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, coffee intake, and tea intake), this causal relationship no longer existed (OR, 1.011; 95% CI, 0.932-1.096; p = 0.795).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated a negative correlation between insomnia and PCa from a genetic perspective. However, such results may be mediated by lifestyle habits and therefore need to be interpreted with caution.
Insights
This study investigated the link between mental disorders and prostate cancer using Mendelian randomization. No causal link was found, though insomnia initially appeared to reduce prostate cancer risk, this was likely due to lifestyle factors.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mental disorders (MDs) are linked to prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes, but existing research shows inconsistent findings.
- Understanding the causal relationship between MDs and PCa is crucial for patient care and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential causal relationship between 10 major mental disorders and prostate cancer.
- To utilize bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses for robust investigation.
Main Methods:
- Employed genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for PCa and 10 MDs in the European population.
- Utilized inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method for causal estimates and sensitivity analyses (Cochran's Q, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO) to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
- Performed multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis adjusting for lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, coffee, and tea intake.
Main Results:
- No significant causal relationship was identified between prostate cancer and the 10 mental disorders studied.
- A potential inverse causal association between insomnia and PCa risk was observed initially (OR, 0.9706; p=0.0188).
- This association between insomnia and PCa risk was no longer significant after MVMR adjustment for lifestyle habits (OR, 1.011; p=0.795).
Conclusions:
- This genetic analysis did not establish a causal link between the investigated mental disorders and prostate cancer.
- While insomnia showed a potential inverse genetic correlation with PCa, this finding is likely confounded by lifestyle habits and requires cautious interpretation.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex interplay between mental health, lifestyle, and prostate cancer risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Some...
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
02:20Correlations
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...