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Blood cell traits on cardiovascular morpho-functional phenotypes: evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis
Mengyu Li1,2, Haiying Zhu3, Liping Shen3
1School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.
Medicine
|May 19, 2026
Summary
This study reveals genetic links between blood cell traits and heart/aorta structure. Key findings suggest blood cell variations may influence cardiovascular remodeling, offering new prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Hematology
Background:
- Causal links between blood cell traits and cardiovascular structure/function are not well understood.
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) traits offer preclinical insights into cardiac and aortic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal genetic relationships between 15 blood cell traits and 100 CMR traits.
- To explore potential genetic influences of blood cell variations on cardiovascular remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study design.
- Employed genetic variants associated with red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet traits as instrumental variables.
- Performed inverse-variance weighted analysis with sensitivity analyses for pleiotropy, alongside multivariable and reverse Mendelian randomization.
Main Results:
- Genetically predicted higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (HCT) associated with reduced cardiac volumes and aortic diameters.
- Elevated hemoglobin and HCT linked to diminished ventricular volumes/masses and enhanced left ventricular global longitudinal strain.
- Increased HCT correlated with aortic and thoracic aortic diameters, while higher lymphocyte count associated with reduced aortic diameter.
Conclusions:
- Suggests potential causal relationships between specific blood cell traits and cardiac/aortic remodeling.
- Highlights blood cell traits as potential novel biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk assessment.
- Supports the incorporation of blood cell trait monitoring into cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
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