Investigating the Bidirectional Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Thyroid Function: A Methodologic Assessment of Mendelian Randomization
Authors' conclusion
Our results illustrate the significant bidirectional causal effect of RA and AITD, which holds even in multiple competing risk factors.
Study context
- Population
- European population; Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and six thyroid function trait data sets
- Comparison
- RA vs thyroid function traits
- Outcome
- Causal relationship between RA and thyroid function
Methodological detailsbidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), multivariable MR using Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA), sensitivity analyses, seropositive RA sensitivity data set, enrichment analysis
- Bidirectional two-sample MR
- Multivariable MR using Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA)
- Sensitivity analyses
- Seropositive RA sensitivity data set
- Enrichment analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Causal effect between RA and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD)
- Significantly positive causal effect of RA on autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and of AITD on RA
- P < 0.001
Further findings
MR-BMA after outlier removal
- RA and AITD independent risk factors in their bidirectional causality, even with other competing risk factors
- adjusted P < 0.05
Sensitivity analyses
- Consistent causal estimates from a variety of MR methods
Enrichment analysis
- Immune cell activation and immune response play crucial roles
Original publication
Investigating the Bidirectional Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Thyroid Function: A Methodologic Assessment of Mendelian Randomization. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). Published 14 May 2024. doi:10.
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