Objective: In this study, we aimed to use a two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to identify a potentially causality between waist circumference and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Methods: With a two‐sample MR approach, we analyzed the summary data. The main analysis was performed by using the summary genetic data from two large consortium cohorts. Three MR approaches were used to explore MR estimates of waist circumference for DVT (inverse‐variance weighted [IVW] approach, weighted median method and MR‐Egger method). A total of 224 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified associated with the level of waist circumference at statistical significance (P < 5*10^{− 8}; linkage disequilibrium r² < 0.1).
Results: The result of IVW indicated the positive association between waist circumference and the risk of DVT (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.009– 1.014, P 7.627E-17). The other two methods were observed with consistent result. MR-Egger regression analysis indicated that no evidence for the presence of directional horizontal pleiotropy. Additionally, DVT was not a causal factor for waist circumference.
Conclusion: In summary, we used the GWAS genetic data from two large consortium cohorts and indicated the positive association between waist circumference and DVT. Further researches are needed to investigate potential mechanism and clarify the role of waist circumference on DVT.
Keywords: waist circumference, deep vein thrombosis, coronary heart disease, Mendelian randomization, causality, MR, DVT