Exploring the protective role of maternal lung cancer history on allergic rhinitis.

Abstract

Background: The causal relationship between family history of lung cancer and allergic rhinitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between family history of lung cancer and allergic rhinitis, along with potential mediating mechanisms, using Mendelian randomization.

Methods: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between family history of lung cancer (including parental, paternal, maternal, and sibling histories) and allergic rhinitis, using genetic variants associated with family history of lung cancer as instrumental variables. Additionally, mediation Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to investigate the role of specific metabolites in mediating this relationship.

Results: The analysis revealed a significant causal relationship between parental history of lung cancer and allergic rhinitis, with maternal lung cancer history showing a strong protective effect against allergic rhinitis (OR = 0.28, p<0.05). Mediation analysis further indicated that metabolites such as 1-linoleoyl-GPE (18:2) and N-palmitoyl-sphingosine exhibited negative mediating effects in the association between maternal lung cancer and allergic rhinitis. Lower levels of these metabolites enhanced the protective effect of maternal lung cancer history on allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant causal relationship between maternal lung cancer history and allergic rhinitis, with specific metabolites potentially playing a mediating role. Changes in the levels of 1-linoleoyl-GPE (18:2) and N-palmitoyl-sphingosine are associated with the protective effect of maternal lung cancer history on allergic rhinitis, suggesting that metabolites may be crucial in regulating this relationship. These findings provide new insights into the relationship between family history of lung cancer and immune-related diseases, offering potential directions for future clinical prevention and treatment strategies.