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Genetic Links Between Cancer and Coronary Atherosclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Yanan Fan1, Miaomiao Liu1, Lifei Zhang1
1Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China, hebmu.edu.cn.
Human Mutation
|July 10, 2026
Summary
This study used Mendelian randomization to explore genetic links between 23 cancers and coronary atherosclerosis. Findings suggest a potential bidirectional genetic interplay between cardiovascular and oncological diseases, particularly with pancreatic, hepatic, and ovarian cancers.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Observational studies suggest a link between cancer and coronary atherosclerosis, but confounding factors obscure the relationship.
- Elucidating a shared genetic basis could reveal common pathophysiological pathways between these diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential causal relationships between 23 cancer types and coronary atherosclerosis using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
- To explore potential bidirectional genetic effects between cancer and coronary atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
- Conducted forward MR analysis for 23 cancer types and coronary atherosclerosis.
- Performed reverse MR analysis to assess bidirectional effects.
Main Results:
- Forward MR identified inverse associations between coronary atherosclerosis and pancreatic cancer (OR=0.90) and hepatic cancer (OR=0.87).
- Reverse MR indicated a modest association between genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer and lower odds of coronary atherosclerosis (OR=0.97).
Conclusions:
- Provides hypothesis-generating evidence for a bidirectional genetic interplay between cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
- Suggests complex interactions warranting further investigation into shared mechanisms and integrated therapeutic strategies.
- Findings are suggestive and require validation in independent cohorts.
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