Assessing the Evidence for Causal Associations Between Body Mass Index, C-Reactive Protein, Depression, and Reported Trauma Using Mendelian Randomization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Traumatic experiences are described as the strongest predictors of major depressive disorder (MDD), with inflammation potentially mediating the association between trauma and symptom onset. However, several studies indicate that body mass index (BMI) exerts a large confounding effect on both inflammation and MDD.

Methods

First, we sought to replicate previously reported associations between these traits in a large subset of the UK Biobank, using regression models with C-reactive protein (CRP) and MDD and as the outcome variables in 113,481 and 30,137 individuals, respectively. Second, we ran bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses between these traits to establish a potential causal framework between BMI, MDD, reported childhood trauma, and inflammation.

SUBMITTER: Palmos AB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9874165 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature