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Causal Relationship between Obesity-related Indicators and Major Peripheral Vascular Diseases: Two-sample and
Dexiang Xia1,2,3, Wentao Hu4, Rui Li1,2,3
1Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Obesity indicators like body fat percentage and waist circumference are causal risk factors for major peripheral vascular diseases (PVDs). Waist-to-hip ratio, however, shows a protective effect against varicose veins.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Obesity is linked to peripheral vascular diseases (PVDs), but causal links are unclear.
- Basal metabolic rate's role in PVDs is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess causal relationships between obesity indicators and major PVDs.
- Investigate obesity-related indicators: waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and basal metabolic rate.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two-sample Mendelian randomization with GWAS data from IEU Open GWAS and FinnGen.
- Employed multivariate Mendelian randomization to adjust for confounders like hypertension and diabetes.
- Revalidated findings using a secondary two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.
Main Results:
- Body fat percentage, waist circumference, and basal metabolic rate are causal risk factors for major PVDs.
- Waist-to-hip ratio demonstrated a protective effect against varicose veins (OR = 0.79).
Conclusions:
- Mendelian randomization confirms causal links between specific obesity indicators and major PVDs.
- Findings guide individualized prevention and treatment strategies for PVDs.
- Waist-to-hip ratio's protective role suggests distinct adiposity measure impacts.
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