Genetically raised serum bilirubin levels and lung cancer: a cohort study and Mendelian randomisation using UK Biobank.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Moderately raised serum bilirubin levels are associated with lower rates of lung cancer, particularly among smokers. It is not known whether these relationships reflect antioxidant properties or residual confounding.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate potential causal relationships between serum total bilirubin and lung cancer incidence using one-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) and UK Biobank.

Methods

We instrumented serum total bilirubin level using two variants (rs887829 and rs4149056) that together explain ~40% of population-level variability and are linked to mild hereditary hyperbilirubinaemia. Lung cancer events occurring after recruitment were identified from national cancer registries. Observational and genetically instrumented incidence

SUBMITTER: Horsfall LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7569373 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature