Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Migraine: Evidence From Mendelian Randomization Analysis in the UK Biobank
Abstract Background: IBS and Migraine are two diseases featuring high prevalence. Previous studies have suggested a relationship between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and migraine, although the causal association remains unclear. We sought to explore the causal association between IBS and migraine, and to prove the importance of migraine prevention in IBS patients.Methods: This study used a two-sample Mendelian-randomization analysis to explore the association of IBS with migraine. Genetic association with migraine were acquired from the UK Biobank (UKB) genetic databases (cases: 1,072; controls: 360,122). We performed estimation using Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), along with Maximum Likelihood, MR-RAPS, MR-Egger and Weighted Median for sensitivity analysis. Considering possible bias, we also conducted polymorphism, heterogeneity, and directional analysis.Results: The IVW estimation genetically predicted the causal association between IBS and migraine (OR=1.09, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.17, p=0.03). Neither statistical horizontal pleiotropy (MR Egger p=0.42; MR-PRESSO p=0.78) nor possible heterogeneity (IVW Q = 26.15, p=0.80) was found. Reverse causation was also not detected (p steiger<0.01).Conclusion: Mendelian randomization analysis supported a positive-going causal association of IBS with migraine, providing enlightenment for disease prevention and control.