Diet affects inflammatory arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study of 30 dietary patterns causally associated with inflammatory arthritis

Abstract

BackgroundThe causal associations between dietary intake and the risk and severity of Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) are currently unknown.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate the causal relationship between nine dietary categories (30 types of diet) and IA using Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsWe analyzed data from 30 diets and IA in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could influence the results of MR analyses were screened out through the Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) test. SNPs were analyzed through two-sample bidirectional MR using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median method. The multiplicity and heterogeneity of SNPs were assessed using MR-Egger intercept term tests and Cochran’s Q tests. FDR correction was used to correct the p-values.ResultsIVW results showed that Beef intake [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.862; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.360–6.021, p = 0.006, p_fdr < 0.05] was positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis(RA); Dried fruit intake (OR = 0.522; 95% CI, 0.349–0.781, p = 0.002, p_fdr < 0.05), and Iron intake (OR = 0.864; 95%CI, 0.777–0.960, p = 0.007, p_fdr < 0.05) were negatively associated with RA, all of which were evidence of significance. Fresh fruit intake (OR = 2.528. 95% CI, 1.063–6.011, p = 0.036, p_fdr > 0.05) was positively associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA); Cheese intake (OR = 0.579; 95% CI, 0.367–0.914, p = 0.019, p_fdr > 0.05) was negatively associated with PsA; both were suggestive evidence. Processed meat intake (OR = 0.238; 95% CI, 0.100–0.565, p = 0.001, p_fdr < 0.05) was negatively associated with reactive arthritis (ReA), a protective factor, and significant evidence. All exposure data passed the heterogeneity check (Cochrane’s Q test p > 0.05) and no directional pleiotropy was detected. Leave-one-out analyses demonstrated the robustness of the causal relationship in the positive results.ConclusionOur study presents genetic evidence supporting a causal relationship between diet and an increased risk of IA. It also identifies a causal relationship between various dietary modalities and different types of IA. These findings have significant implications for the prevention and management of IA through dietary modifications.