Causal Effects Between Retinal Characteristics and Cardiovascular Diseases: Insights from Genetic Correlation, Mendelian Randomization, and Cross-Sectional Study
Retinal structural traits measured by OCT-particularly RNFL, PR-IS/OS, and RPE thickness-are best interpreted as non-invasive markers that reflect systemic vascular biology. Our MR analyses support shared etiologic pathways between retinal microstructure and CVDs rather than implying that retinal damage clinically causes cardiovascular events. Findings warrant validation in larger and more diverse populations and should not be considered definitive proof of causality.
Authors
- Xuehao Cui (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6460-2783)
- Dejia Wen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6714-3167)
- Xiaorong Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0641-2797)
- Chao Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6406-4503)
- Jishan Xiao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6132-0923)
Institutions
- Tianjin University (CN)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- Bridge University (SS)
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CN)
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital (CN)
- Central Hospital of Zibo (CN)
- University College London (GB)
- Tianjin Medical University (CN)
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Global Heart
- Published
- 2025-11-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5334/gh.1493
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Retinal Imaging and Analysis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.36
Funders
- Tianjin Medical University
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital