Search

BackgroundCurrently, the association between the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the susceptibility to autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) remains conflict and lacks substantial evidence in various clinical studies. To address this issue, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to establish causal links between six types of PUFAs and their connection to the risk of ARDs.MethodsWe retrieved summary-level data on six types of PUFAs, and five different types of ARDs from publicly accessible GWAS statistics. Causal relationships were determined using a two-sample MR analysis, with the IVW approach serving as the primary analysis method. To ensure the reliability of our research findings, we used four complementary approaches and conducted multivariable MR analysis (MVMR). Additionally, we investigated reverse causality through a reverse MR analysis.ResultsOur results indicate that a heightened genetic predisposition for elevated levels of EPA (ORIVW: 0.924, 95% CI: 0.666–1.283, PIVW = 0.025) was linked to a decreased susceptibility to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Importantly, the genetically predicted higher levels of EPA remain significantly associated with an reduced risk of PsA, even after adjusting for multiple testing using the FDR method (PIVW–FDR–corrected = 0.033) and multivariable MR analysis (PMV-IVW 0.05) and multiple testing using the FDR method (PIVW–FDR–corrected = 0.062). Moreover, effects of total omega-3 PUFAs, DHA, EPA, and LA on PsA, were massively driven by SNP effects in the FADS gene region. Furthermore, no causal association was identified between the concentrations of other circulating PUFAs and the risk of other ARDs. Further analysis revealed no significant horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity or reverse causality.ConclusionOur comprehensive MR analysis indicated that EPA is a key omega-3 PUFA that may protect against PsA but not other ARDs. The FADS2 gene appears to play a central role in mediating the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on PsA risk. These findings suggest that EPA supplementation may be a promising strategy for preventing PsA onset. Further well-powered epidemiological studies and clinical trials are warranted to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of EPA in PsA.

Objective: This meta-analysis included papers which evaluated the effects of physical activity on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women. Methods: Four English databases were searched for relevant randomized clinical trials (RTCs) published from 1970 to June, 2014. Eligible RCTs which used the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO) as their outcome measure were selected for inclusion. Results: Five RCTs were included in the final meta-analysis. The results showed that physical activity produced favorable effects in the HRQoL domains of physical function (p = 0.001) and pain (p = 0.01), but not in other domains. Compared with a single exercise, combined exercise produced more favorable effects on both physical function (p = 0.0004) and pain (p = 0.02). Short-term physical activity produced significant favorable results in all general health domains of HRQoL (p = 0.01), whereas middle-term physical activity produced significant improvements only in the physical function (p