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A phenome-wide bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis of atrial fibrillation

Abstract:

Background: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing with an aging worldwide population, yet a comprehensive understanding of its causes and consequences remains limited. We aim to assess the causes and consequences of AF via a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods: We used publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data, centralized and harmonized by an open GWAS database. We assessed the genetically predicted effects of 5048 exposures on risk of AF, and the genetically predicted effects of genetic liability to AF, on 10 308 outcomes via two-sample MR analysis. Multivariable MR analysis was further conducted to explore the comparative roles of identified risk factors.

Results: MR analysis suggested that 55 out of 5048 exposure traits, including four proteins, play a causal role in AF (P <1e-5 allowing for multiple comparisons). Multivariable analysis suggested that higher body mass index, height and systolic blood pressure as well as genetic liability to coronary artery diseases independently cause AF. Three out of the four proteins (DUSP13, TNFSF12 and IL6R) had a drug prioritizing score for atrial fibrillation of 0.26, 0.38 and 0.88, respectively (values closer to 1 indicating stronger evidence of the protein as a potential drug target). Genetic liability to AF was linked to a higher risk of cardio-embolic ischaemic stroke.

Conclusions: Our results suggest body mass index, height, systolic blood pressure and genetic liability to coronary artery disease are independent causal risk factors for AF. Several proteins, including DUSP13, IL-6R and TNFSF12, may have therapeutic potential for AF.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1093/ije/dyac041

Authors


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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-7918-2040
More by this author
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-5188-5775
More by this author
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-5905-1206


Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Journal:
International Journal of Epidemiology More from this journal
Volume:
51
Issue:
4
Pages:
1153-1166
Publication date:
2022-03-15
Acceptance date:
2022-03-01
DOI:
EISSN:
1464-3685
ISSN:
0300-5771
Pmid:
35292824


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1246342
Local pid:
pubs:1246342
Deposit date:
2023-01-24

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