Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a globally significant health concern, necessitating effective preventive strategies through identifying modifiable risk factors. Constipation, characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, has been proposed as a potential CRC risk fac...

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Main Authors: Long Wu, Huan Wu, Fei Huang, Xiao-yun Li, Yun-huan Zhen, Bao-fang Zhang, Hai-yang Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-11-01
Series:Frontiers in Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1282066/full
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author Long Wu
Huan Wu
Fei Huang
Xiao-yun Li
Yun-huan Zhen
Bao-fang Zhang
Hai-yang Li
author_facet Long Wu
Huan Wu
Fei Huang
Xiao-yun Li
Yun-huan Zhen
Bao-fang Zhang
Hai-yang Li
author_sort Long Wu
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a globally significant health concern, necessitating effective preventive strategies through identifying modifiable risk factors. Constipation, characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, has been proposed as a potential CRC risk factor. However, establishing causal links between constipation and CRC remains challenging due to observational study limitations.MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables, capitalizing on genetically determined variation to assess causal relationships. In this dual-sample bidirectional MR study, we extracted genetic data from independent cohorts with CRC (Include colon cancer and rectal cancer) and constipation cases. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified constipation and CRC-associated genetic variants used as instruments to infer causality. The bidirectional MR analysis evaluated constipation’s impact on CRC risk and the possibility of reverse causation.ResultsEmploying bidirectional MR, we explored the causal relationship between constipation and CRC using publicly available GWAS data. Analysis of constipation’s effect on CRC identified 26 significant SNPs, all with strong instrumental validity. IVW-random effect analysis suggested a potential causal link [OR = 1.002(1.000, 1.004); P = 0.023], although alternative MR approaches were inconclusive. Investigating CRC’s impact on constipation, 28 significant SNPs were identified, yet IVW analyses found no causal effect [OR = 0.137(0.007, 2.824); P = 0.198]. Other MR methods also yielded no significant causal association. We analyzed constipation separately from colon and rectal cancer using the same methodology in both directions, and no causal relationship was obtained.ConclusionOur bidirectional MR study suggests a potential constipation-CRC link, with mixed MR approach outcomes. Limited evidence supports constipation causing CRC. Reliable instruments, minimal heterogeneity, and robust analyses bolster these findings, enriching understanding. Future research should explore additional factors to enhance comprehension and clinical implications.
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spelling doaj.art-00a6c6cec970452991b9551c63881b4c2023-11-17T08:57:09ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Oncology2234-943X2023-11-011310.3389/fonc.2023.12820661282066Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization studyLong Wu0Huan Wu1Fei Huang2Xiao-yun Li3Yun-huan Zhen4Bao-fang Zhang5Hai-yang Li6Department of Anus and Intestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Anus and Intestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Anus and Intestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Anus and Intestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, ChinaBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a globally significant health concern, necessitating effective preventive strategies through identifying modifiable risk factors. Constipation, characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, has been proposed as a potential CRC risk factor. However, establishing causal links between constipation and CRC remains challenging due to observational study limitations.MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables, capitalizing on genetically determined variation to assess causal relationships. In this dual-sample bidirectional MR study, we extracted genetic data from independent cohorts with CRC (Include colon cancer and rectal cancer) and constipation cases. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified constipation and CRC-associated genetic variants used as instruments to infer causality. The bidirectional MR analysis evaluated constipation’s impact on CRC risk and the possibility of reverse causation.ResultsEmploying bidirectional MR, we explored the causal relationship between constipation and CRC using publicly available GWAS data. Analysis of constipation’s effect on CRC identified 26 significant SNPs, all with strong instrumental validity. IVW-random effect analysis suggested a potential causal link [OR = 1.002(1.000, 1.004); P = 0.023], although alternative MR approaches were inconclusive. Investigating CRC’s impact on constipation, 28 significant SNPs were identified, yet IVW analyses found no causal effect [OR = 0.137(0.007, 2.824); P = 0.198]. Other MR methods also yielded no significant causal association. We analyzed constipation separately from colon and rectal cancer using the same methodology in both directions, and no causal relationship was obtained.ConclusionOur bidirectional MR study suggests a potential constipation-CRC link, with mixed MR approach outcomes. Limited evidence supports constipation causing CRC. Reliable instruments, minimal heterogeneity, and robust analyses bolster these findings, enriching understanding. Future research should explore additional factors to enhance comprehension and clinical implications.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1282066/fullconstipationcolon cancerrectal cancercolorectal cancerMendelian randomization
spellingShingle Long Wu
Huan Wu
Fei Huang
Xiao-yun Li
Yun-huan Zhen
Bao-fang Zhang
Hai-yang Li
Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Frontiers in Oncology
constipation
colon cancer
rectal cancer
colorectal cancer
Mendelian randomization
title Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
title_full Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
title_fullStr Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
title_full_unstemmed Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
title_short Causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
title_sort causal association between constipation and risk of colorectal cancer a bidirectional two sample mendelian randomization study
topic constipation
colon cancer
rectal cancer
colorectal cancer
Mendelian randomization
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1282066/full
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