Evaluation of genetic markers as instruments for Mendelian randomization studies on vitamin D.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mendelian randomization (MR) studies use genetic variants mimicking the influence of a modifiable exposure to assess and quantify a causal association with an outcome, with an aim to avoid problems with confounding and reverse causality affecting other types of observational studies.

Aim

We evaluated genetic markers that index differences in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as instruments for MR studies on vitamin D.

Methods and findings

We used data from up-to 6,877 participants in the 1958 British birth cohort with information on genetic markers and 25(OH)D. As potential instruments, we selected 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) which are located in the vitamin D metabolism pathway or affect skin pigmentation/tanning, including 4 SNPs from genome-wide

SUBMITTER: Berry DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3357436 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature