Unraveling the Causal Relationship between Blood Metabolites and Acne: A Metabolomic Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Background: Acne is a prevalent skin disorder with potential links to metabolic dysfunction. The causal impact of blood metabolites on acne remains underexplored. Methods: Using a genome-wide association dataset, we conducted a metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on 486 blood metabolites and acne. The study included preliminary IVW analysis, multivariable MR analysis, linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC)analysis, and colocalization analysis, with reverse MR to address reverse causation. Results: We identified 12 metabolites with significant associations with acne. LDSC analysis revealed a genetic correlation between nonanoylcarnitine and acne. Colocalization analysis confirmed shared genetic variants, and metabolic pathway analysis implicated the Arginine biosynthesis pathway and the Selenocompound metabolism pathway in acne development. Conclusion:Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the causal relationships between plasma metabolites and acne. The findings offer insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acne treatment and emphasize the need for further research.