BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in dermatomyositis (DM) patients, but the exact causal relationship between them remains elusive. Our aim is to confirm the causal relationship between 25(OH)D and DM risk through a Mendelian randomization study.

METHODS

Retrieve genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on 25(OH)D (n = 441 291) and DM (n cases = 201, n controls = 172 834) from the GWAS database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/). Select single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly correlated with 25(OH)D as instrumental variables (IVs). The primary analytical approach involves the use of the inverse-variance weighted method (IVW), supplemented by MR-Egger regression and weighted median methods to enhance the reliability of the results. Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q and leave-one-out approaches, respectively.

RESULTS

The IVW analysis confirmed a positive causal relationship between genetic variation in 25(OH)D levels and DM (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.01-5.52, p = .048). Although not statistically significant (all p > .05), the other methods also suggested a protective effect of 25(OH)D on DM. Based on MR-Egger intercepts and Cochran's Q analysis, the selected SNPs showed no horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the results against individual SNPs.

CONCLUSION

We provide the first evidence of a causal relationship between 25(OH)D levels and DM. Our findings support the importance of measuring serum 25(OH)D levels and considering vitamin D supplementation in clinical practice for patients with DM.