Causal Associations of Epigenetic Age Acceleration With Stroke and Its Functional Outcome: A Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Background

Emerging evidence from observational studies suggested that epigenetic age acceleration may result in an increased incidence of stroke and poorer functional outcomes after a stroke. However, the causality of these associations remains controversial and may be confounded by bias. We aimed to investigate the causal effects of epigenetic age on stroke and its functional outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationships between epigenetic age and stroke and its outcomes. Additionally, a two-step MR analysis was performed to investigate whether lifestyle factors affect stroke via epigenetic age. Datasets of epigenetic age were obtained from a recent meta-analysis (n = 34,710), while those of stroke and its outcomes were sourced from the MEGASTROKE (n = 520,000) consortium and Genetics of Ischaemic Stroke Functional Outcome (GISCOME) network (n = 6165).

Results

Two-sample MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between PhenoAge and small vessel stroke (SVS) (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12; p = 2.01 × 10⁻³). Mediation analysis through two-step MR indicated that the increased risk of SVS due to smoking initiation was partially mediated by PhenoAge, with a mediation proportion of 9.5% (95% CI, 1.6%–20.6%). No causal relationships were identified between epigenetic age and stroke outcomes.

Conclusions

Our study supports using epigenetic age as a biomarker to predict stroke occurrence. Interventions specifically aimed at decelerating epigenetic aging, such as specific lifestyle changes, offer effective strategies for reducing stroke risk.