Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis

Abstract Objectives Previous studies have suggested a possible link between normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and immune factors, but the causal relationship between NPH and Baff-R expression on immune cells remains enigmatic. This study used a Mendelian randomization (MR) method to elucidate this...

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Main Authors: Wencai Wang, Luyao Ma, Menghao Liu, Yongqiang Zhao, Wei Ye, Xianfeng Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:BMC Neurology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-025-04098-4
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author Wencai Wang
Luyao Ma
Menghao Liu
Yongqiang Zhao
Wei Ye
Xianfeng Li
author_facet Wencai Wang
Luyao Ma
Menghao Liu
Yongqiang Zhao
Wei Ye
Xianfeng Li
author_sort Wencai Wang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objectives Previous studies have suggested a possible link between normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and immune factors, but the causal relationship between NPH and Baff-R expression on immune cells remains enigmatic. This study used a Mendelian randomization (MR) method to elucidate this association. Methods The study used data from the Finngen genome-wide association study (GWAS) and included a large European cohort of 767 patients with NPH and 375,610 controls. Baff-R genetic results in 3,757 individuals of European ancestry had 22 Baff-R-related traits. Different MR techniques were used, and efficacy was assessed using heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Results and conclusion Among the 22 traits, 8 Baff-R-related traits were causally related to NPH. The genetic prediction indicates that Baff-R, particularly in the area of BAFF − R on unswitched memory B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD38 − B cell, BAFF − R on CD24 + CD27 + B cell, BAFF − R on IgD − CD38 − B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD38dim B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD24 + B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD38 − naive B cell, BAFF − R on memory B cell may decrease risks on the development of NPH. These findings may help us to understand the immune mechanisms associated with NPH and help to develop future biomarkers related to the disease.
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spelling doaj-art-1a080b32e9da4bed93ff1d6fcfd735e42025-08-20T02:47:06ZengBMCBMC Neurology1471-23772025-03-012511910.1186/s12883-025-04098-4Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysisWencai Wang0Luyao Ma1Menghao Liu2Yongqiang Zhao3Wei Ye4Xianfeng Li5The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityAbstract Objectives Previous studies have suggested a possible link between normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and immune factors, but the causal relationship between NPH and Baff-R expression on immune cells remains enigmatic. This study used a Mendelian randomization (MR) method to elucidate this association. Methods The study used data from the Finngen genome-wide association study (GWAS) and included a large European cohort of 767 patients with NPH and 375,610 controls. Baff-R genetic results in 3,757 individuals of European ancestry had 22 Baff-R-related traits. Different MR techniques were used, and efficacy was assessed using heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Results and conclusion Among the 22 traits, 8 Baff-R-related traits were causally related to NPH. The genetic prediction indicates that Baff-R, particularly in the area of BAFF − R on unswitched memory B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD38 − B cell, BAFF − R on CD24 + CD27 + B cell, BAFF − R on IgD − CD38 − B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD38dim B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD24 + B cell, BAFF − R on IgD + CD38 − naive B cell, BAFF − R on memory B cell may decrease risks on the development of NPH. These findings may help us to understand the immune mechanisms associated with NPH and help to develop future biomarkers related to the disease.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-025-04098-4Mendelian randomizationNormal pressure hydrocephalusGWASBAFF − RImmune inflammationAngiogenesis
spellingShingle Wencai Wang
Luyao Ma
Menghao Liu
Yongqiang Zhao
Wei Ye
Xianfeng Li
Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
BMC Neurology
Mendelian randomization
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
GWAS
BAFF − R
Immune inflammation
Angiogenesis
title Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
title_full Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
title_fullStr Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
title_full_unstemmed Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
title_short Causal relationship between Baff-R expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
title_sort causal relationship between baff r expression and normal pressure hydrocephalus insights from mendelian randomization analysis
topic Mendelian randomization
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
GWAS
BAFF − R
Immune inflammation
Angiogenesis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-025-04098-4
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