Genetically Proxied Autoimmune Diseases and the Risk of Facial Aging

Abstract

Purpose Previous studies have suggested a relationship between autoimmune diseases and the risk of facial skin aging. However, evidence from population-based studies on this topic is limited, leaving the causal association between these factors unknown. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the causal effects of 18 autoimmune diseases on the risk of facial skin aging, aim of providing strategies to mitigate early facial aging in patients with autoimmune diseases. Patients and Methods We conducted univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analyses to examine the causal relationship between 18 autoimmune diseases and facial aging using publicly available summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs). We also conducted multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses to adjust for confounding factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI). Results The main inverse variance weighted (IVW) method revealed that genetically proxied ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (OR 1.017; 95% CI: 1.003–1.031; P =0.018), sicca syndrome (SS) (OR 1.008; 95% CI: 1.005–1.011; P = 2.66×10 −6 ), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (OR 1.006; 95% 1.001–1.011; P =0.014), multiple sclerosis (MS) (OR 1.004; 95% CI: 1.001–1.007; P =0.021), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (OR 1.002; 95% CI: 1.000–1.004; P =0.023), and celiac disease (CeD) (OR 1.002; 95% CI: 1.001–1.004; P =0.009) were significantly associated with higher risk of facial aging. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the association persisted between AS, SLE, and CeD. Conclusion These findings indicated that autoimmune diseases play a causal role in facial skin aging. Therefore, patients with autoimmune diseases should take appropriate measures to prevent early facial aging.

Examining Constraints: A Critical Appraisal of Autoimmune Diseases and Facial Aging Study [Letter]

“…We thoroughly reviewed the study titled “Genetically Proxied Autoimmune Diseases and the Risk of Facial Aging” by Zhang et al 1 in the esteemed journal “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”. The study offers valuable insights into the potential causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and facial skin aging through Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.…”