Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: Meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization study

Abstract

Objective

We conducted a meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization study to analyze the association and causal relationship of genetic prediction between post-traumatic stress disorder and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted using hazard ratio, relative risk, odds ratio, and 95 % confidence intervals as effect measures. Summary data from genome-wide association studies on post-traumatic stress disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus were utilized to assess the causal relationship of genetic prediction between post-traumatic stress disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus using Mendelian randomization.

Results

A meta-analysis showed that post-traumatic stress disorder was positively associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (RR = 1.85, 95 % CI = 1.61–2.12, p < 0.001). The results of Egger's test showed no publication bias (p = 0.823, p > 0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that the meta-analysis results were stable (RR = 1.85, 95 % CI = 1.61–2.12). However, Mendelian Randomization analysis revealed no evidence of a causal relationship of genetic prediction between post-traumatic stress disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus (IVW OR: 1.001, 95 % CI: 0.805–1.245, p = 0.993).

Conclusion

There is a correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus, but Mendelian Randomization does not support a genetic causal effect of post-traumatic stress disorder on systemic lupus erythematosus. The potential causal relationship between the two factors may necessitate further in-depth research.