Low iron levels closely associated with higher risk of coeliac disease: BMJ

A recent study explored the complex interplay between genetics and health and uncovered a potential environmental trigger for the rising prevalence of coeliac disease. The key findings of the study were published in the recent edition of BMJ Open Gastroenterology.

This study utilized Mendelian randomization which suggests a significant association between iron deficiency and the development of this autoimmune condition. The two-sample Mendelian randomization study were conducted to explore the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the iron status and the presence of coeliac disease. 

The findings revealed four SNPs that were strongly linked to systemic iron status. These genetic variants were not associated with known risk factors for coeliac disease that indicated a distinct pathway in disease development. This research used data from the UK Biobank that encompassed a vast group of over 336,000 individuals, including 1,855 diagnosed with coeliac disease and meticulously examined the genetic landscape.

The analysis demonstrated a clear inverse relationship between iron levels and coeliac disease risk. The individuals genetically predisposed to lower iron levels expressed an increased susceptibility to the autoimmune condition. This compelling association persisted even after rigorous sensitivity analyses which reaffirms the robustness of the findings.

The implications of this study offer a potential opportunity for coeliac disease prevention. Highlighting the role of iron deficiency as a major contributing factor could help us to stay informed targeted interventions and public health strategies in reducing the disease burden. The outcomes of this research underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in the disease susceptibility. Unearthing the genetic underpinnings of coeliac disease help us shape novel preventive measures and personalized interventions.

Source:

Hujoel, I. A., & Hujoel, M. L. A. (2024). Investigating the role of iron status in the development of coeliac disease: a Mendelian randomisation study. In BMJ Open Gastroenterology (Vol. 11, Issue 1, p. e001236). BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001236