Genetic insights into the mediating role of cardiac function in hypertension-induced brain cortical changes: a Mendelian randomization study with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension adversely affects both cardiac and cerebral structure and function. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating hypertension-induced brain remodeling remain unclear, particularly the role of cardiac dysfunction in this process. This study aimed to assess the causal association between hypertension and alterations to the cerebral cortex, as well as the mediating effect of heart function, through use of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and mediation Mendelian randomization analysis.

METHODS

Mendelian randomization was employed to investigate the causal effect of hypertension on 68 cortical thickness (TH) or surface area (SA) traits of the cerebral cortex. Mediation analyses were conducted to identify potential CMR traits as mediators. Hypertension and heart function assessed by CMR were derived from genome-wide association (GWAS) summary data. The brain cortical imaging phenotypes were obtained from established biobank resources. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran's Q test, Mendelian randomization-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analyses.

RESULTS

Hypertension was causally associated with decreased middle temporal gyrus TH [odds ratio (OR) =0.96; P=0.006], increased middle temporal gyrus SA (OR =1.04, P=0.025), increased paracentral TH (OR =1.04, P=0.008), decreased banks of the superior temporal sulcus TH (OR =0.96, P=0.008), decreased isthmus cingulate TH (OR =0.96, P=0.012), and decreased posterior cingulate TH (OR =0.97, P=0.028). Certain CMR indices mediated the impact of hypertension on brain structure. Right ventricular end diastolic volume accounted for 20.25% of the total effect of hypertension on posterior cingulate TH (P=0.028), and right ventricular peak ejection rate accounted for 38.92% of the total effect of hypertension on middle temporal gyrus TH (P=0.036). No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

A causal relationship between hypertension and brain cortical structure was confirmed. Heart function is involved in the mechanism of hypertension-induced changes in cerebral cortex.