Key result
Genetically determined growth factors show no causal effect on Sjögren syndrome onset.
Why the study?
Observational studies have suggested a link between growth factors and Sjögren syndrome, but a definitive causal relationship has yet to be established.
Do genetically determined growth factors have a causal effect on the onset of Sjögren syndrome?
Observational
Do genetically determined growth factors have a causal effect on the onset of Sjögren syndrome?
Odds Ratio: 0.94
p-value: p=.720
This Mendelian randomization study found no significant causal associations between genetic levels of various growth factors and the onset of Sjögren syndrome.
No causal effect of growth factors on Sjögren syndrome; leaves open alternative etiologic pathways.
Previous observational studies have suggested a link between growth factors and Sjögren syndrome, but a definitive causal relationship has yet to be established. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using summary statistics from the FinnGen study on Sjögren syndrome and various growth factors. Analytical techniques included inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode to explore potential causal links. Our analysis indicated that genetically determined growth factors did not have a causal effect on Sjögren syndrome. The inverse variance weighted method showed nonsignificant associations for various exposures, including epidermal growth factor (odds ratios [OR] = 0.94, P = .720), proheparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (OR = 0.95, P = .621), VEGF sR2 (OR = 1.0, P = .988), FGF7 (OR = 1.08, P = .519), PDGF-AA (OR = 0.87, P = .218), VEGF121 (OR = 0.93, P = .466), TGF-β R II (OR = 1.01, P = .934), and NGFI-A-binding protein 2 (OR = 1.13, P = .264). The MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods supported these findings. Our study did not find significant causal associations between genetic levels of the studied growth factors and the onset of Sjögren syndrome. Future research should investigate more detailed genetic interactions and modifiable environmental factors to better understand pathways relevant to the prevention and management of Sjögren syndrome.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cao et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Sjögren syndrome. Genetically determined growth factors was evaluated on Onset of Sjögren syndrome (OR 0.94, p=.720). Genetically determined growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (OR 0.94, P=.720), did not have a significant causal effect on the onset of Sjögren syndrome.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: