Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by complex interactions within its tumor microenvironment. Understanding the immune landscape and gene expression patterns is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Methods We employed multiple analytical approache...

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Main Authors: Qingfu Bao, Jianjun Zou, Changyang Wang, Haiying Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02658-1
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author Qingfu Bao
Jianjun Zou
Changyang Wang
Haiying Wang
author_facet Qingfu Bao
Jianjun Zou
Changyang Wang
Haiying Wang
author_sort Qingfu Bao
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by complex interactions within its tumor microenvironment. Understanding the immune landscape and gene expression patterns is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Methods We employed multiple analytical approaches including Mendelian randomization analysis, single-cell sequencing, gene expression profiling, and spatiotemporal analysis. The study investigated associations between NPC and comorbidities, characterized immune cell populations, and analyzed gene expression patterns. Cytokine profiles and their effects on disease risk were also examined. Results The analysis revealed potential associations between NPC and both allergic rhinitis and high myopia. Single-cell sequencing identified distinct cellular populations, including three unique B cell subpopulations (M1, M2, M3) with specific molecular signatures and spatial distributions. Temporal analysis showed dynamic changes in immune cell composition: endothelial and epithelial cells dominated the early phase, B cells peaked in the middle phase, and dendritic and T cells increased in the late phase. Gene expression clustered into four main patterns, with significant roles for immune-related genes, particularly the TNFRSF family and HLA-related genes. Cytokine analysis identified IL-6 as a significant risk factor (31.4% increased risk) while IL-10 showed protective effects (8% risk reduction). Conclusions This comprehensive analysis provides detailed insights into the complex immune microenvironment and molecular mechanisms of NPC. The identification of distinct cellular populations, temporal patterns, and key molecular players offers valuable information for understanding disease progression and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-dba42638ef884f1bb202c5ff3ba673402025-08-20T02:25:17ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112025-05-0116111810.1007/s12672-025-02658-1Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinomaQingfu Bao0Jianjun Zou1Changyang Wang2Haiying Wang3Department of Otolaryngology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinses and Western Medicine)Department of Otolaryngology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinses and Western Medicine)Department of Otolaryngology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinses and Western Medicine)Department of Otolaryngology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinses and Western Medicine)Abstract Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by complex interactions within its tumor microenvironment. Understanding the immune landscape and gene expression patterns is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Methods We employed multiple analytical approaches including Mendelian randomization analysis, single-cell sequencing, gene expression profiling, and spatiotemporal analysis. The study investigated associations between NPC and comorbidities, characterized immune cell populations, and analyzed gene expression patterns. Cytokine profiles and their effects on disease risk were also examined. Results The analysis revealed potential associations between NPC and both allergic rhinitis and high myopia. Single-cell sequencing identified distinct cellular populations, including three unique B cell subpopulations (M1, M2, M3) with specific molecular signatures and spatial distributions. Temporal analysis showed dynamic changes in immune cell composition: endothelial and epithelial cells dominated the early phase, B cells peaked in the middle phase, and dendritic and T cells increased in the late phase. Gene expression clustered into four main patterns, with significant roles for immune-related genes, particularly the TNFRSF family and HLA-related genes. Cytokine analysis identified IL-6 as a significant risk factor (31.4% increased risk) while IL-10 showed protective effects (8% risk reduction). Conclusions This comprehensive analysis provides detailed insights into the complex immune microenvironment and molecular mechanisms of NPC. The identification of distinct cellular populations, temporal patterns, and key molecular players offers valuable information for understanding disease progression and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02658-1Nasopharyngeal carcinomaAllergic rhinitisMendelian randomizationSingle-cell sequencingB cell subpopulations
spellingShingle Qingfu Bao
Jianjun Zou
Changyang Wang
Haiying Wang
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Discover Oncology
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Allergic rhinitis
Mendelian randomization
Single-cell sequencing
B cell subpopulations
title Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_full Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_fullStr Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_full_unstemmed Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_short Mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_sort mendelian randomization analysis reveals potential association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
topic Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Allergic rhinitis
Mendelian randomization
Single-cell sequencing
B cell subpopulations
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02658-1
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AT jianjunzou mendelianrandomizationanalysisrevealspotentialassociationbetweenallergicrhinitisandnasopharyngealcarcinoma
AT changyangwang mendelianrandomizationanalysisrevealspotentialassociationbetweenallergicrhinitisandnasopharyngealcarcinoma
AT haiyingwang mendelianrandomizationanalysisrevealspotentialassociationbetweenallergicrhinitisandnasopharyngealcarcinoma