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Murine Model of Thoracic Aortic Dissection Induced by Oral β-Aminopropionitrile and Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 16, 2025
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Causal association between modifiable risk factors and aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection: A comprehensive
Xuren Wang1,2, Shaokang Wang3, Jie Sun1
1Nursing Department, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Medicine
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Vigorous physical activity, healthy cholesterol, and avoiding smoking may reduce aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD) risks. Obesity and high blood pressure increase these life-threatening cardiovascular risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Genetic Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms (AA) and aortic dissection (AD) are critical cardiovascular diseases with unclear causal links to modifiable risk factors.
- Epidemiological studies suggest associations, but causal evidence is needed for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationships between various modifiable risk factors and the risk of developing AA and AD.
- To leverage Mendelian randomization to establish causal inference for identified risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A 2-sample Mendelian randomization approach was employed using genetic instrumental variables.
- Genome-wide association study data from 209,836 participants were analyzed for AA and AD.
- Inverse-variance-weighted models were used to estimate causal effects for 46 risk factors.
Main Results:
- Vigorous physical activity showed a protective effect against AA, while smoking and alcohol consumption increased risk.
- Obesity indicators (BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass), LDL-C, and triglycerides were linked to higher AA risk.
- Hypertension and high diastolic blood pressure elevated risks for both AA and AD; oily fish diet protected against AD.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes causal links between modifiable factors like physical activity, obesity, lipids, and blood pressure with AA/AD risk.
- Findings highlight the importance of lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, for aortic disease prevention.
- Results offer valuable insights for public health initiatives and clinical management of cardiovascular health.
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