Genetic contribution of reproductive traits to risk of uterine leiomyomata: a large-scale, genome-wide, cross-trait analysis

Abstract

Background: Although phenotypic associations between female reproductive characteristics and uterine leiomyomata have long been observed in epidemiologic investigations, the shared genetic architecture underlying these complex phenotypes remains unclear. Objective: We aimed to investigate the shared genetic basis, pleiotropic effects, and potential causal relationships underlying reproductive traits (age at menarche, age at natural menopause, and age at first birth) and uterine leiomyomata. Study Design: With the use of large-scale, genome-wide association studies conducted among women of European ancestry for age at menarche (n=329,345), age at natural menopause (n=201,323), age at first birth (n=418,758), and uterine leiomyomata (ncases/ncontrols=35,474/267,505), we performed a comprehensive, genome-wide, cross-trait analysis to examine systematically the common genetic influences between reproductive traits and uterine leiomyomata. Results: Significant global genetic correlations were identified between uterine leiomyomata and age at menarche (rg, –0.17; P=3.65×10–10), age at natural menopause (rg, 0.23; P=3.26×10–07), and age at first birth (rg, –0.16; P=1.96×10–06). Thirteen genomic regions were further revealed as contributing significant local correlations (P