Causal associations between diet and thromboembolism: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization study

Studies have revealed links between diet and cardiovascular conditions such as venous thromboembolism (VTE). The potential causal relationship between dietary habits and VTE remains ambiguous. This study aimed to assess the causal association of diets with VTE using a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method. The UK biobank and FinnGen biobanks were used for data acquisition. genome-wide association studies presented at UK biobank provide a comprehensive dataset of more than 139 dietary intakes. The FinnGen biobank was used to acquire genome-wide association studies data on VTE, including both pulmonary embolism and deep-vein thrombosis. Statistical approaches included MR. The primary analysis in the MR study employed the Inverse-Variance Weighted method. Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, Mendelian Randomized Polymorphism Residual and Outlier test, radial-MR test, and a leave-one-out analysis were used to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. 8 diets associated with reduced risk of VTE, including black pepper, chili pepper, curry, globe artichoke, herring, mackerel, sardines and alcohol consumption. Conversely, ham intake significantly increased risk of VTE. Food preferences for cheesecake and coffee with sugar were associated with higher pulmonary embolism risk, meanwhile gherkins preference was correlated with higher deep-vein thrombosis risk. No causal relationships were found between VTE and other dietary factors. There was no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy in the sensitivity analysis. The MR analysis shows a genetic causal connection between dietary habits and the onset of VTE, highlighting the importance of dietary adjustments in preventing and managing VTE.