Obesity-related indicators and tuberculosis: A Mendelian randomization study

Abstract

Purpose Obesity is a strong risk factor for many diseases, with controversy regarding the cause(s) of tuberculosis (TB) reflected by contradictory findings. Therefore, a larger sample population is required to determine the relationship between obesity and TB, which may further inform treatment. Methods Obesity-related indicators and TB mutation data were obtained from a genome-wide association study database, while representative instrumental variables (IVs) were obtained by screening and merging. Causal relationships between exposure factors and outcomes were determined using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Three tests were used to determine the representativeness and stability of the IVs, supported by sensitivity analysis. Results Initially, 191 single nucleotide polymorphisms were designated as IVs by screening, followed by two-sample MR analysis, which revealed the causal relationship between waist circumference [odds ratio (OR): 2.13 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–3.80); p = 0.011] and TB. Sensitivity analysis verified the credibility of the IVs, none of which were heterogeneous or horizontally pleiotropic. Conclusion The present study determined the causal effect between waist circumference and TB by two-sample MR analysis and found both to be likely to be potential risk factors.