A mendelian randomization study investigating the association between sleep apnea risk and cheese consumption through biomarker analysis

Abstract

Cheese consumption may play a role in mitigating sleep apnea risk, according to our Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Sleep apnea, a prevalent disorder associated with various health complications, affects millions worldwide, generating interest in dietary interventions. This study analyzed data from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen Biobank, focusing on cheese intake and its potential impact on sleep apnea through various biomarkers. Results revealed a significant inverse association between cheese consumption and sleep apnea risk (OR=0.724, p=0.00478), indicating that higher cheese intake is linked to a reduced likelihood of developing the disorder. Additionally, the analysis identified six biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase (1.33 %), urea (3.85 %), cystatin C (2.98 %), sex hormone-binding globulin (1.78 %), testosterone (1.94 %), and diastolic blood pressure (5.46 %), as mediators of this relationship. Notably, cheese consumption influenced levels of 23 biomarkers. These findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions in public health strategies aimed at decreasing sleep apnea prevalence and associated health risks. Overall, this study highlights the complex connections between diet, biomarkers, and sleep apnea, emphasizing the necessity for further research across diverse populations to enhance the generalizability of these results.