Cross-sectional studies of the causal link between asthma and osteoporosis: insights from Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analysis

• Published in: Osteoporosis international 2024-06, Vol.35 (6), p.1007-1017
• Main Authors: Chen, Lexin, Li, Can, Chen, Hangang, Xie, Yangli, Su, Nan, Luo, Fengtao, Huang, Junlan, Zhang, Ruobin, Chen, Lin, Chen, Bo, Yang, Jing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Alkaline phosphatase; Asthma; Asthma - epidemiology; Asthma - genetics; Asthma - physiopathology; Bioinformatics; Biomarkers - blood; Bone Density - genetics; Bone Density - physiology; Bone loss; Bone Remodeling - genetics; Bone Remodeling - physiology; Bone turnover; China - epidemiology; Computational Biology - methods; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endocrinology; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mendelian Randomization Analysis - methods; Middle Aged; Original Article; Orthopedics; Osteoblasts; Osteoclasts; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis - epidemiology; Osteoporosis - etiology; Osteoporosis - genetics; Osteoporosis - physiopathology; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prediction models; Public health; Rheumatology; Statistical sampling
• ISSN: 0937-941X; 1433-2965
• DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07037-0

Summary The study, using data from Chongqing, China, and employing Mendelian randomization along with bioinformatics, establishes a causal link between asthma and osteoporosis, beyond glucocorticoid effects. Asthma may contribute to osteoporosis by accelerating bone turnover through inflammatory factors, disrupting the coupling between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, ultimately leading to osteoporosis. Introduction Asthma and osteoporosis are prevalent health conditions with substantial public health implications. However, their potential interplay and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of glucocorticoids on osteoporosis, often overlooking the role of asthma itself. Methods We conducted a multi-stage stratified random sampling in Chongqing, China and excluded individuals with a history of glucocorticoid use. Participants underwent comprehensive health examinations, and their clinical data, including asthma status, were recorded. Logistic regression and Mendelian randomization were employed to investigate the causal link between asthma and osteoporosis. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses and serum biomarker assessments were conducted to explore potential mechanistic pathways. Results We found a significant association between asthma and osteoporosis, suggesting a potential causal link. Mendelian Randomization analysis provided further support for this causal link. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that several molecular pathways might mediate the impact of asthma on bone health. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly elevated in the asthma group, suggesting potential involvement in bone turnover. Conclusion Our study confirms a causal link between asthma and osteoporosis and highlights the importance of considering asthma in osteoporosis prediction models. It also suggests that asthma may accelerate osteoporosis by increasing bone turnover through inflammatory factors, disrupting the coupling between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, ultimately leading to bone loss.