Using Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics methods to explore the causal effect of hypothyroidism on urticaria

Abstract

Observational studies connect hypothyroidism with urticaria, but causality is unclear. This study explores genetic variations in hypothyroidism and their potential influence on urticaria risk.We collected statistical data from open genome-wide association studies in the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU OpenGwas) project, analyzed genetic data from patients with hypothyroidism and urticaria to study their causal relationship using various methods such as the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, MR-Egger method, weighted median estimator (WME) method, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis through gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network evaluation.Our research identified SNPs that significantly elevate urticaria risk in hypothyroidism. GO analysis highlighted crucial genes regulating immune cell function, adhesion, growth, and cytokine production. KEGG analysis demonstrated enrichment of these genes in immune response and autoimmune pathways. PPI network analysis pinpointed key genes involved in these processes. The study provides strong genetic evidence that there is a causal relationship between hypothyroidism and an increased incidence of urticaria. This finding is expected to help develop more effective treatment strategies for urticaria patients.