Open Access Rheumatology: Research and Reviews (May 2025)
The Impact of Triglycerides on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risk Factor and Mendelian Randomization Study
Abstract
Shuai Liu,1 Qun Liang2 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, People’s Republic of China; 2Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qun Liang, Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.26 heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15124587930, Email [email protected]: This study investigates the association between triglycerides and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk through risk factor analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR).Methods: Data from the Dryad database were used for a case-control study with 455 participants (224 with RA and 231 controls), with a median age of 54 years (IQR: 45– 62) and 34% male participants. Logistic regression analyses identified risk factors, and correlation coefficient analysis assessed associations between triglycerides and RA. A two-sample MR analysis was conducted using genetic variants associated with triglyceride levels as instrumental variables.Results: Logistic regression identified higher triglyceride levels, a history of non-smoking, lower levels of C-reactive protein, and apolipoprotein A as significant risk factors for RA (all P < 0.05). MR analysis showed no significant causal relationship, with odds ratios (IVW OR = 0.944, P = 0.154) close to 1. Heterogeneity tests showed no significant variation in causal estimates, supporting the absence of a causal link between triglycerides and RA.Conclusion: While elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of RA, MR suggests that triglycerides do not play a direct causal role in its development. These findings indicate that triglyceride management may not be a primary focus in RA treatment, but further research into the mechanisms underlying RA progression is needed.Keywords: Mendelian randomization, triglycerides, rheumatoid arthritis, causal relationship, risk factor
