Association Between Blood Heavy Metal Exposure and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men: Insights From NHANES and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate the relationship between blood levels of heavy metals and lower urinary tract symptoms in men.
• Analyzed data from NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)
• Assessed blood levels of lead and mercury
• Applied mendelian randomization methods to establish causality.
• Elevated blood lead levels correlated with higher risk of LUTS
• Increased mercury levels possibly indicate a causal effect on LUTS