Causal associations between iron levels in subcortical brain regions and psychiatric disorders: a Mendelian randomization study.

ABSTRACT: Despite observational studies linking brain iron levels to psychiatric disorders, the exact causal relationship remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine the relationship between iron levels in specific subcortical brain regions and the risk of psychiatric disorders. Utilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, this study investigates the causal associations between iron level changes in 16 subcortical nuclei and eight major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia. The genetic instrumental variables linked to iron levels and psychiatric disorders were derived from

SUBMITTER: Du W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11754438 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature