Celiac Disease and Nephrotic Syndrome: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Background: Celiac disease is a chronic immunodeficiency disorder that affects multiple organs, primarily the small intestine.Nephrotic syndrome encompasses a range of diseases characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of the glomerular filtration membrane in the kidneys.This study employed Mendelian randomization to investigate the potential causal relationship between celiac disease and nephrotic syndrome.

Methods: We obtained whole-genome association study data on celiac disease and nephrotic syndrome in the European population from the IEU GWAS database. Relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for analysis. The causal relationship between celiac disease and nephrotic syndrome was assessed using the MR-Egger, weighted median, and IVW methods. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were evaluated using weighted median and MR-Egger regression methods, as well as Cochran’s Q test.

Results: Our study revealed a significant association between celiac disease and nephrotic syndrome (P < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence of an association between celiac disease and nephrotic syndrome, enhancing our understanding of their relationship and contributing to our knowledge of their pathogenesis and prevention.