Urinary Sodium–Potassium Ratio and Cataract Risk: Insights From the NHANES 2003–2006 and Mendelian Randomization Analyses
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: This study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the link between cataract and urinary sodium-potassium ratio (Na/K) ratio. Methods: This study included 3,482 subjects from the 2003 to 2006 survey, with 305 cataract patients and 3177 controls. Baseline characteristics were analyzed using weighted χ2 or t-tests. Three models and stratified analyses assessed the association between Na/K ratio and cataracts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and a k-nearest neighbor (KNN) model were used to evaluate the predictive value of the Na/K ratio for cataracts. MR analysis was conducted to explore the causal relationship between Na/K ratio and cataracts. Results: The Na/K ratio was significantly higher in cataract patients (P < 0.001). Three models-Model 1 (P = 2.64 × 10-5, odds ratio [OR] = 0.860), Model 2 (P = 3.60 × 10-4, OR = 0.872), and Model 3 (P = 5.14 × 10-3, OR = 0.895)-and stratified analyses (P = 0.00514, OR = 0.900) showed a significant association with cataract. The ROC curve (area under the curve value = 0.790) and KNN model confirmed the strong predictive value of the Na/K ratio. MR analysis indicated a causal relationship with cataract, suggesting the Na/K ratio as a protective factor. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated a remarkable causal relationship between Na/K ratio and cataract, offering a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of cataract. Translational Relevance: Using MR with NHANES, causal hypotheses from basic research can be validated in a broader population, advancing personalized treatment in clinical care.
Language: English
Topic: Sodium Intake and Health
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,850
OpenAlex ID: W4417153464