Causal Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis on Psoriasis: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND

It is well-documented that rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often exhibit skin manifestations, with psoriasis typically occurring around the time of diagnosis. Thus, it is essential to investigate the potential causal relationship between these forms of arthritis and psoriasis.

METHODS

The OpenGWAS provided traitIDs for exposure factors (RA (bbj-A-74), AS (ebi-A-GCST005529), and JIA (finn-b-JUVEN-ARTHR)) and outcome (psoriasis, finn-b-L12-PSORIASIS). bbj-A-74 had 19,190 samples (9,739,303 SNPs), ebi-A-GCST005529 had 22,647 samples (99,962 SNPs), finn-b-JUVEN-ARTHR had 173,622 samples (16,380,296 SNPs), and psoriasis had 216,752 samples (16,380,464 SNPs). Initially, 57 RA SNPs, 25 AS SNPs, and 5 JIA SNPs were acquired. Causal links were explored via univariate Mendelian Randomization (UVMR) analysis, with sensitivity analyses ensuring reliability. Additionally, multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis was conducted to further estimate the effect of each exposure factor on psoriasis.

RESULTS

Significant causal links (P < 0.05, OR > 1) were found between bbj-A-74, ebi-A-GCST005529, finn-b-JUVEN-ARTHR, and finn-b-L12-PSORIASIS, indicating associations of RA, AS, and JIA with psoriasis. Sensitivity analyses ensured the reliability of these finding, showing no heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or SNP locus oversensitivity in UVMR results. Furthermore, MVMR analysis revealed AS and JIA as psoriasis risk factors, while RA showed non-significant protective effects. This suggests AS and JIA may contribute to psoriasis onset or exacerbation when coexisting.

CONCLUSION

MR analyses were conducted to investigate the causal links between RA, AS, JIA, and psoriasis, enhancing our grasp of the underlying mechanisms of psoriasis.