Assessing causal relationships using genetic proxies for exposures: an introduction to Mendelian randomization.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Studying the consequences of addictive behaviours is challenging, with understanding causal relationships from observational data being particularly difficult. For example, people who smoke or drink excessively are often systematically different from those who do not, are less likely to participate in research and may misreport their behaviours when they do. Furthermore, the direction of causation between an addictive behaviour and outcome may be unclear. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers potential solutions to these problems.

Methods

We describe MR's principles and the criteria under which it is valid. We identify challenges and potential solutions in its application (illustrated using two applied examples) and describe methodological extensions in its

SUBMITTER: Katikireddi SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5873430 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature