Causal Associations Between Sarcopenia and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia may affect the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the causal relationship between sarcopenia and GDM remains unclear. In this study, we used a bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to explore this intricate relationship.

METHODS

This study utilized data from FinnGen datasets and genome-wide association studies. A bi-directional MR study was conducted. First, a forward MR analysis evaluated the causality of sarcopenia on GDM risk, with sarcopenia-related traits as exposures and GDM as the outcome. Second, in the reverse MR analysis, we assessed whether GDM influenced sarcopenia-related traits. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the MR analysis.

RESULTS

Forward MR analysis revealed that appendicular lean mass (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2182, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1397-1.3021, P < 0.0001), right-hand grip strength (OR= 1.4194, 95% CI: 1.0773-1.8701, P= 0.0128), left-hand grip strength (OR= 1.6064, 95% CI: 1.2829-2.0115, P < 0.0001), and usual walking pace (OR= 3.3676, 95% CI: 1.8769-6.0423, P < 0.0001) were associated with an increased risk of GDM. However, according to the reverse MR results, GDM had no causal effect on sarcopenia. No pleiotropy was observed.

CONCLUSION

In summary, sarcopenia had a significant causal influence on GDM, while GDM did not causally affect sarcopenia.