Author information
1Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
2Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. lichunyu@scu.edu.cn.
3Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. hfshang2002@126.com.
Abstract
Hematologic abnormalities was observationally associated with the susceptibility of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, the conclusion is still controversial and whether there exists a causal association remains elusive. Here we aimed to explore the causative role of hematological traits in the risk of PBC. We conducted two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses based on summary statistics from previous large genome-wide association studies. Totally twelve red blood cell and six white blood cell traits were analyzed. Genetically determined higher hemoglobin level was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PBC (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47-0.81, P: 5.59E-04). Meanwhile, higher hematocrit level was nominally associated with reduced risk of PBC (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.93, P: 0.01). These results could help better understand the role of hematological traits in the risk of PBC, and provide potential targets for the disease prevention and treatment.