Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Barrett’s Esophagus and Ear Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus (BE), and ear disorders using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: For GERD, BE, and ear disorders, GWAS genetic data from individuals of European ancestry in the IEU GWAS database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/) was utilized in this study. Three MR methods were applied for preliminary analysis, with causal estimates determined using the inverse variance weighted method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Results: Potential effects of genetically predicted GERD on ear disorders were identified in this study. GERD was associated with Ménière’s disease (OR = 1.334, 95% CI: 1.073–1.671, p = 0.009), sensorineural hearing loss (OR = 1.127, 95% CI: 1.019–1.245, p = 0.019), vestibular dysfunction (OR = 1.178, 95% CI: 1.025–1.354, p = 0.021), constant tinnitus (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009–1.029, p = 0.0003), tinnitus occurring most of the time (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.001–1.012, p = 0.019), and occasional tinnitus (OR = 1.014, 95% CI: 1.005–1.023, p = 0.002). Higher GERD levels were linked to an increased risk of these ear disorders. For individuals who never experienced tinnitus (OR = 0.939, 95% CI: 0.923–0.957, p = 1.2721E-11), elevated GERD levels were associated with a reduced likelihood of never experiencing tinnitus. No causal association was found between GERD and otitis media (OR = 1.093, 95% CI: 0.884–1.352, p = 0.412). BE demonstrated no causal relationship with ear disorder risk. Conclusion: Under MR assumptions, the findings of this study indicate that GERD may increase the risk of tinnitus, Ménière’s disease, vestibular dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing loss.