Genetically predicted sleep apnea Increases Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy, mediated by BMI and BP: Study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2025-12-09T20:30:07+05:30 | Updated On 9 Dec 2025 8:30 PM IST

Researchers have found in a new study that genetically predicted obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to a higher risk of diabetic nephropathy. The study indicates that BMI and high blood pressure play important roles in the pathway through which OSA contributes to kidney damage in diabetes.

Previous observational studies have reported the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetic nephropathy. However, it remains to be confirmed whether this association is causal. This study aimed to investigate the causal association of OSA with diabetic nephropathy and the mediating effect of common risk factors using Mendelian randomization (MR) design. The study data were sourced from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Bidirectional two-sample MR and multivariable MR analyses were conducted to assess causal relationships between OSA and diabetic nephropathy. Potential mediation by common risk factors was evaluated through two-step MR. In addition, the MR results were supported by various sensitivity and validation analyses.

Results: They presented genetic evidence that OSA could unidirectionally increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy (OR = 1.30; 95 % CI: 1.13, 1.50; p = 2.51 × 10−4). After adjusting for BMI, high blood pressure, blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin levels, severe insulin resistance, years of schooling, nap during day, processed meat consumption, and coffee intake, the causal effect of OSA on diabetic nephropathy remained statistically significant. Further mediation MR analysis showed that BMI and high blood pressure may mediate the causal relationship between OSA and diabetic nephropathy, with a mediation effect of 26.35 % and 9.91 %, respectively.

The findings suggest that genetically predicted OSA is associated with a higher risk of diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, BMI and high blood pressure are involved in the mechanism of OSA-induced diabetic nephropathy.

Reference:

Yonghang He, Junxiang Wang, Yun Wen, Bo Yi, Yong Wang. Causal association and potential mediators between obstructive sleep apnea and diabetic nephropathy: A Mendelian randomization study, Experimental Gerontology, 2025, 112980, ISSN 0531-5565,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2025.112980.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556525003092)

Keywords:

Experimental Gerontology, Obstructive sleep apnea, Diabetic nephropathy, Mendelian, randomization, Multivariable, analysis, Mediation analysis, Yonghang He, Junxiang Wang, Yun Wen, Bo Yi, Yong Wang

Experimental GerontologyObstructive sleep apneaDiabetic nephropathyMendelianrandomizationMultivariableanalysisMediation analysis

Source : Experimental Gerontology

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.