The Casual Associations Between Brain Functional Networks and Fibromyalgia: A Large-Scale Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Study

TL;DR

This study explores how brain networks may be causally linked to fibromyalgia using genetic data and suggests potential targets for treatment.

Contribution

The study identifies specific brain functional networks with causal associations to fibromyalgia and related symptoms using genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization.

Findings

Pheno801 and Pheno1696 show significant causal effects on fibromyalgia and related symptoms like insomnia and fatigue.

Pheno103 is linked to fibromyalgia and pain-related traits with notable statistical significance.

Targeting these brain networks could help prevent or alleviate fibromyalgia.

Abstract

While the central mechanisms of fibromyalgia have gained attention, the causal effects between brain networks and fibromyalgia remain unclear. Two-sample Mendelian randomization and Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression were performed to investigate the relationship between 191 rsfMRI traits and 8 fibromyalgia-related traits. A total of 4 rsfMRI traits were genetically correlated with trouble falling asleep, 11 with back pain for 3+ months, 16 with pain all over the body, 14 with insomnia, 5 with fibromyalgia, 4 with fibromyalgia, and 3 with malaise and fatigue. Pheno801 has significant causal effects on malaise and fatigue (OR = 1.0022, p = 0.01), fibromyalgia (finngen) (OR = 1.5055, p = 0.03), and insomnia (OR = 1.4063, p = 0.04). Pheno1696 significantly impacts fibromyalgia-related comorbidities (OR = 1.002, p = 0.02), trouble falling asleep (OR = 1.0285, p = 0.04), malaise and fatigue (OR = 1.0011, p = 0.04), and pain all over the body (OR = 0.9967, p = 0.04). Pheno103 has marked effects on fibromyalgia (finngen) (OR = 0.7477, p = 0.02), malaise and fatigue (OR = 0.9987, p = 0.03), and pain all over the body (OR = 1.0033, p = 0.03). Our findings suggest that targeting these networks could effectively prevent or alleviate fibromyalgia.

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