Insomnia Proven to be Associated With Prostate Cancer: A Genetic Correlation Study Incorporating 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.