The Causal Effects between Mood Swings and Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background: Numerous studies have examined the links between mental disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. However, few studies have investigated the link between mood swings and GI diseases. Given the impact of mood swings on various conditions and the growing comprehension of the gut-brain axis, this study aims to explore their causal relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.

Methods: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with mood swings were obtained from a recent study. SNPs associated with GI diseases were identified from the FinnGen project. We conducted two-sample bidirectional MR analyses using three methods, primarily the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method. Furthermore, we performed sensitivity analyses and false discovery rate (FDR) analysis to validate the accuracy and robustness of the results.

Results: Bidirectional MR analysis revealed significant causal effects between mood swings and GI diseases according to the IVW method (odds ratio (OR): 1.213; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.118-1.316; P=3.490e−6; PFDR=8.730e−5). Mood swings were linked to an increased risk for 11 of 24 diseases, including five upper GI diseases (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acute gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and functional dyspepsia), two lower GI diseases (diverticular disease of the intestine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)) and four hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer). Inverse MR analysis showed no causal relationship between 24 GI diseases and mood swings.

Conclusions: This comprehensive MR analysis suggests that genetically predicted mood swings may be a risk factor in the development of GI diseases. Interventions for mood swings may help to treat GI diseases.

Cite this article as: Wang K, Wang S, Chen X. The causal effects between mood swings and gastrointestinal diseases: A Mendelian randomization study. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25(4):533-540.