The causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm: Evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis

Abstract

The potential role of smoking as a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysm is still a subject of debate. Therefore, it is important to systematically investigate the causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm using Mendelian randomization methods. Genetic data were obtained from genome-wide association studies using the inverse variance weighting method as the primary approach. A thorough sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the reliability of the findings. Instrumental variables were assessed using the F statistic, and meta-analysis was employed to assess the average genetic predictive effect between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm. Our Mendelian randomization study found a positive association between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The odds ratios (OR) in the inverse variance weighting method were OR = 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.51; P = .053) and OR = 2.07 (95% CI = 1.10–3.91; P = .024). Furthermore, meta-analyses consistently demonstrated a positive causal relationship between ferritin and myocardial infarction, although statistical significance was not observed. The analysis results did not indicate any horizontal pleiotropy. Despite the presence of heterogeneity, the Mendelian randomization analysis still yielded significant results. This study employed Mendelian randomization to establish a positive association between smoking levels and the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm. The genetic evidence reveals a causal relationship between the two, offering new insights for future interventions targeting thoracic aortic aneurysms.