Mediators of the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Extract The causal relationship between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) has long been a subject of debate. However, it is only in the past 2 months that two studies utilising Mendelian randomisation have provided evidence of a significant causality between GORD and IPF, indicating that GORD indeed increases the risk of IPF. This finding has partially helped resolve the debate [1, 2]. Nevertheless, it should not be overlooked that previous meta-analyses have shown that treating GORD does not significantly improve the outcomes of IPF, contrary to expectations [3, 4]. This prompts us to consider the involvement of other intermediate variables, such as smoking, obesity and telomere length, in the process of GORD-induced IPF [5]. In the present study, network Mendelian randomisation is employed to assess the potential mediating effect between GORD and IPF. This will help to provide valuable insights into their underlying mechanisms and inform future therapeutic interventions.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Interstitial and orphan lung disease Research Letters Source Type: research