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Mendelian Randomization Analyses Support Causal Relationships Between Psychiatric Disorders and Risk of Urinary Tract

Minghui Ke1, Haolang Wen2,3, Binghao Bao1

  • 1Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.

American Journal of Men'S Health
|December 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found that major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) causally increase urinary tract infection (UTI) risk. UTIs also slightly increase MDD risk, with smoking mediating the MDD-UTI link.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatric Genomics
  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics

Background:

  • Observational studies suggest a link between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and psychiatric disorders.
  • The causal nature of this comorbidity remains unclear, necessitating robust investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between major psychiatric disorders and UTIs.
  • To identify potential mediating factors in the association between mental health conditions and UTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with large-scale genetic data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and UK Biobank.
  • Employed multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) to adjust for confounding factors and assess independent effects.
  • Applied inverse variance weighted (IVW) and other MR methods to estimate causal effects.

Main Results:

  • Genetic liability for major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) significantly increased UTI risk (ORs 1.31 and 1.08, respectively).
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were associated with a modest increase in MDD risk (OR 1.061).
  • Multivariable MR confirmed MDD's causal effect on UTI risk (OR 1.25), with smoking mediating 13.6% of this association.

Conclusions:

  • Established a causal link between specific psychiatric disorders, notably MDD and ASD, and an increased risk of UTIs.
  • Identified smoking as a significant mediator in the causal pathway between MDD and UTIs.
  • Findings support integrated clinical approaches for managing patients with comorbid mental health and urinary tract conditions.
Keywords:
co-morbiditymendelian randomizationpsychiatric disorderssmokingurinary tract infections

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