Work

Using Mendelian randomization analysis to determine the causal connection between unpleasant emotions and coronary atherosclerosis

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Objective Observational studies have shown a correlation between unpleasant emotions and coronary atherosclerosis, but the underlying causal linkages are still uncertain. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation on two samples for this purpose. Methods In genome-wide association studies in the UK Biobank (total = 459,561), we selected 40 distinct single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to unpleasant emotions as genome-wide statistically significant instrumental variables. FinnGen consortium provided summary-level data on coronary atherosclerosis for 211,203 individuals of Finnish descent. MR-Egger regression, the inverse variance weighted technique (IVW), and the weighted median method were used in the process of conducting data analysis. Results There was sufficient evidence to establish a causal connection between unpleasant emotions and coronary atherosclerosis risk. For each unit increase in the log-odds ratio of unpleasant feelings, the odds ratios were 3.61 (95% CI: 1.64–7.95; P = 0.001). The outcomes of sensitivity analyses were comparable. There was no indication of heterogeneity or directional pleiotropy. Conclusion Our findings provide causal evidence for the effects of unpleasant emotions on coronary atherosclerosis.

Source: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1126157

Authors: Jiyong Lei, Da Luo, Jiarui Xiong, Mingjiang Li

Institutions: Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University

Language: English

Topic: Genetic Associations and Epidemiology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295