Immune-metabolic perspective on the association of seven psychiatric disorders and five common auditory diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Although the relationship between psychiatric disorders and common auditory diseases has been discovered in observational studies, the causal linkage between them remains inconclusive.

METHODS

The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed, drawing on the most recent and expansive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for seven psychiatric disorders and five common auditory diseases. Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted using data on 731 immune cell phenotypes and 1400 metabolite levels to explore potential mediating factors influencing the causal pathways.

RESULTS

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could increase the risk of presbycusis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.161 [95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.042-1.295], P-value = 0.007) through CD25 on CD45RA- CD4 not regulatory T cell (Mediation effect β = 0.017), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) could increase the risk of vertigo (OR = 1.215 [95 % CI, 1.043-1.415], P-value = 0.012) through CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14dim Absolute Count (Mediation effect β = 0.007). Alzheimer's Disease (AD) could reduce the risk of presbycusis through four metabolite levels related to lipid metabolism. And Bipolar Disorder I (BD I) could reduce the risk of vertigo, as well as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) could reduce the risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the intricate causal links between psychiatric disorders and auditory diseases. Mediation analyses indicate that immune cells are facilitators of positive effects, while metabolite levels play a protective role. These insights offer potential pathways for more effective clinical diagnosis and treatment.