Immune-metabolic perspective on the association of seven psychiatric disorders and five common auditory diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis.

This genetic study found that autism increases the risk of age-related hearing loss by about 16%, and depression increases dizziness/vertigo risk by about 22%. The connections appear to work through the immune system and body chemistry. Some conditions like Alzheimer's and bipolar disorder actually seemed protective against certain hearing problems. This suggests mental health and hearing issues are genuinely connected, not just coincidental.

This Mendelian randomization study examined causal relationships between seven psychiatric disorders and five auditory diseases using genetic data. Key findings showed autism spectrum disorder increases presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) risk by 16.1%, with immune cells mediating this effect. Major depressive disorder increases vertigo risk by 21.5%, also mediated by immune factors. Conversely, Alzheimer's disease appeared protective against presbycusis through lipid metabolism pathways, while bipolar disorder reduced vertigo risk.

The study suggests immune cells facilitate harmful effects while metabolites provide protection. These findings indicate complex bidirectional causal relationships between psychiatric and auditory conditions, offering insights for clinical management and treatment approaches.

Findings suggest routine hearing assessments for autistic individuals and balance evaluations for those with depression. Results support integrated care approaches considering both psychiatric and auditory health, potentially informing treatment protocols.

Study relies on genetic data which may not capture all environmental factors. Sample sizes not reported. Mediation analysis complexity may introduce uncertainty. Results require replication in diverse populations and clinical validation.

Although the relationship between psychiatric disorders and common auditory diseases has been discovered in observational studies, the causal linkage between them remains inconclusive. The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed, drawing on the most recent and expansive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for seven psychiatric disorders and five common auditory diseases. Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted using data on 731 immune cell phenotypes and 1400 metabolite levels to explore potential mediating factors influencing the causal pathways. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could increase the risk of presbycusis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.161 [95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.042-1.295], P-value = 0.007) through CD25 on CD45RA- CD4 not regulatory T cell (Mediation effect β = 0.017), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) could increase the risk of vertigo (OR = 1.215 [95 % CI, 1.043-1.415], P-value = 0.012) through CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14dim Absolute Count (Mediation effect β = 0.007).

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) could reduce the risk of presbycusis through four metabolite levels related to lipid metabolism. And Bipolar Disorder I (BD I) could reduce the risk of vertigo, as well as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) could reduce the risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study underscores the intricate causal links between psychiatric disorders and auditory diseases. Mediation analyses indicate that immune cells are facilitators of positive effects, while metabolite levels play a protective role.

These insights offer potential pathways for more effective clinical diagnosis and treatment.