Causal associations between iron levels in subcortical brain regions and psychiatric disorders: a Mendelian randomization study

Motivation: This study aimed to examine the relationship between iron levels in subcortical brain regions and the risk of psychiatric disorders. Goal(s): Despite observational studies linking brain iron levels to psychiatric disorders, the exact causal relationship remains poorly understood. Approach: Utilizing two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis, this study investigates the causal associations between iron levels changes in 16 subcortical nuclei and eight major psychiatric disorders. Results: Iron levels in the left substantia nigra showed a negative association with the risk of major depressive disorder. Conversely, iron levels in the left putamen were positively associated with the risk of autism spectrum disorders. Impact: The observed bidirectional trends between subcortical iron levels and psychiatric disorders, indicating the importance of the underlying biomechanical interactions between brain iron regulation and these disorders.