Mendelian Randomization

Sleep Patterns vs. Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, Schizophrenia, ADHD (2024 Study)

by

Insomnia and daytime napping are causally associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), while sleep duration influences the risk of schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Highlights: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Insomnia and napping during the day significantly increase the risk of MDD. Schizophrenia: Longer sleep duration is associated with a higher risk …

Read more

High Zinc Levels Linked to Increased Risk of Parkinson’s Disease (2024 Study)

by

Zinc levels were found to have a causal effect on the risk of Parkinson’s disease, while other oxidative stress biomarkers showed no significant association. Highlights: A study identified a significant causal relationship between higher zinc levels and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). No causal effects were found between PD and other oxidative stress biomarkers …

Read more

Occlusion Dysfunction (OD) Causally Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (2024 Study)

by

Occlusion dysfunction (OD) is causally linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while dentures restoration can mitigate this risk. Highlights: Periodontal disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s do not have a direct causal relationship (P = 0.395). Loose teeth significantly increase the risk of AD progression (P = 0.017, OR = 187.3567). Dentures restoration is …

Read more

PCSK9 Inhibitors May Increase Parkinson’s Disease & Reduce ALS Risk (2024 Study)

by

PCSK9 inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Highlights: ALS Risk Reduction: PCSK9 inhibitors marginally reduced the risk of ALS with an odds ratio of 0.89 (p = 0.048). PD Risk Increase: PCSK9 inhibitors increased the risk of Parkinson’s disease, with an odds ratio …

Read more

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Linked to 5 Gut Microbiome Abnormalities (2024 Study)

by

A Mendelian randomization study identified five gut microbiota taxa with potential causal effects on multiple sclerosis (MS), highlighting new avenues for understanding and treating the disease. Highlights: Causal Associations Identified: The study identified five gut microbiota taxa with significant causal associations to MS: Anaerofilum id.2053, Ruminococcus2 id.11374, Ruminococcaceae UCG003 id.11361, Ruminiclostridium5 id.11355, and Anaerotruncus id.2054. …

Read more

Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Depression vs. Genetics: EPA-to-DHA Ratio (2024 Study)

by

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may reduce the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), but causality remains uncertain due to potential pleiotropic mechanisms. Highlights: Genetic Evidence for Omega-3 & Depression: The study used two-sample Mendelian randomization to investigate the causality between genetically predicted omega-3 fatty acid levels and major depression, finding a protective …

Read more

Depression Linked to Increased Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis (2024 Study)

by

TLDR: A study found a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and osteoarthritis (OA) but only a one-way relationship where depression increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Highlights: Bidirectional Causality: There is a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and osteoarthritis (OA), meaning depression can increase the risk of OA and vice versa. Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA): …

Read more

High Salt Intake Linked to Alzheimers Disease & Dementia Risk in Europeans (2024 Study)

by

TLDR: This study provides evidence that high salt intake is causally associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and undefined dementia. Highlights: Causal Association: High salt intake is significantly associated with an increased risk of any dementia (OR = 1.73) and specifically Alzheimer’s disease (OR = 2.10). Cognitive Performance: Higher …

Read more

Genetics Linked to Intelligence (IQ), Health, Longevity: Polygenic Scores

by

Intelligence predicts health and mortality – but why? New research reveals some genes are implicated in both. Key facts: Intelligence test scores predict mortality, illnesses, and health behaviors. Higher scores indicate lower risk. Both intelligence and health/disease outcomes are highly polygenic – many genetic variants of small effect contribute. Genetic correlations exist between intelligence and …

Read more

Genetic Predisposition to Loneliness: Is Your DNA to Blame?

by

Loneliness is a painful feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between one’s desired social connections and actual relationships. Chronic loneliness is increasingly prevalent in modern societies and strongly tied to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including higher risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. New genetic research provides key insights into the …

Read more