Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer

Abstract This review explores the role of Mendelian randomization (MR) in the analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with risk factors including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and hormonal influences. Mendelian randomization (MR)...

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Main Authors: Diabate Ousmane, Jie Liu, Ziyu Liu, Zongjiang Zhou, Liu Liu, Junpu Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-06-01
Series:Discover Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02412-7
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author Diabate Ousmane
Jie Liu
Ziyu Liu
Zongjiang Zhou
Liu Liu
Junpu Wang
author_facet Diabate Ousmane
Jie Liu
Ziyu Liu
Zongjiang Zhou
Liu Liu
Junpu Wang
author_sort Diabate Ousmane
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This review explores the role of Mendelian randomization (MR) in the analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with risk factors including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and hormonal influences. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a robust epidemiological tool, uses genetic variants to assess causal relationships between exposures and breast cancer risk. Evidence suggests that obesity, particularly in adulthood, is associated with elevated risk, while early obesity may be protective. Alcohol consumption shows a complex relationship, with adverse effects associated with problematic drinking behaviors rather than moderate drinking. Physical activity is associated with reduced breast cancer risk, likely through hormonal and metabolic pathways. Dietary factors, such as higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, appear protective, highlighting the importance of dietary choices. Methodological considerations, including pleiotropy and sample size, are crucial to ensure the validity of MR studies. Overall, this synthesis of existing studies demonstrates the importance of Mendelian randomization (MR) in identifying causal links between modifiable risk factors and breast cancer, which is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-55b98bda32aa4069a51c24f3959c4e302025-08-20T03:22:50ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112025-06-0116111010.1007/s12672-025-02412-7Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancerDiabate Ousmane0Jie Liu1Ziyu Liu2Zongjiang Zhou3Liu Liu4Junpu Wang5Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityDepartment of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityDepartment of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityDepartment of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityFuRong LaboratoryDepartment of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityAbstract This review explores the role of Mendelian randomization (MR) in the analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with risk factors including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and hormonal influences. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a robust epidemiological tool, uses genetic variants to assess causal relationships between exposures and breast cancer risk. Evidence suggests that obesity, particularly in adulthood, is associated with elevated risk, while early obesity may be protective. Alcohol consumption shows a complex relationship, with adverse effects associated with problematic drinking behaviors rather than moderate drinking. Physical activity is associated with reduced breast cancer risk, likely through hormonal and metabolic pathways. Dietary factors, such as higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, appear protective, highlighting the importance of dietary choices. Methodological considerations, including pleiotropy and sample size, are crucial to ensure the validity of MR studies. Overall, this synthesis of existing studies demonstrates the importance of Mendelian randomization (MR) in identifying causal links between modifiable risk factors and breast cancer, which is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02412-7Mendelian randomization (MR)Breast cancerModifiable risk factorsObesityBody mass index (BMI)Alcohol consumption
spellingShingle Diabate Ousmane
Jie Liu
Ziyu Liu
Zongjiang Zhou
Liu Liu
Junpu Wang
Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
Discover Oncology
Mendelian randomization (MR)
Breast cancer
Modifiable risk factors
Obesity
Body mass index (BMI)
Alcohol consumption
title Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
title_full Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
title_fullStr Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
title_full_unstemmed Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
title_short Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
title_sort mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer
topic Mendelian randomization (MR)
Breast cancer
Modifiable risk factors
Obesity
Body mass index (BMI)
Alcohol consumption
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02412-7
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