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Integration of transcriptome and mendelian randomization elucidates the protective role of aspirin in pulmonary

Wei Tan1, Li Zhang1, Shanmei Wang2

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.

Functional & Integrative Genomics
|June 22, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aspirin use may reduce the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This study implicates TNFAIP6 and NEU1 genes as potential mediators, suggesting aspirin as an adjunctive therapy for PTB.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) presents suboptimal treatment outcomes in some patients.
  • The potential protective effect of aspirin against PTB and its mechanisms are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between aspirin use and PTB risk.
  • To explore the underlying genetic mechanisms, focusing on TNFAIP6 and NEU1 gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess aspirin use and PTB risk.
  • Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) to analyze aspirin target genes.
  • Transcriptomic and Kaplan-Meier analyses to evaluate gene expression and TB progression.
  • In vitro experiments in monocytes to confirm aspirin's effect on gene expression.

Main Results:

  • MR analysis indicated aspirin use was associated with reduced PTB risk (OR=0.06, p=0.01).
  • SMR identified TNFAIP6 and NEU1 as significantly associated with PTB.
  • Higher TNFAIP6 and NEU1 expression correlated with increased TB progression in household contacts.
  • Aspirin reduced TNFAIP6 expression in BCG-stimulated monocytes in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • Aspirin may reduce PTB risk, with TNFAIP6 and NEU1 as potential mediating factors.
  • These findings support aspirin as a candidate adjunctive therapeutic strategy for PTB.
Keywords:
AspirinMendelian randomizationNEU1Pulmonary tuberculosisSummary-data-based Mendelian randomizationTNFAIP6

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