Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Five Exposure Factors Based on Pathway Enrichment Analysis

Background: Increasing knowledge has made it crucial to identify and minimize potential risk factors in order to prevent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This initiative aims to utilize Mendelian randomization analysis to identify exposure factors that could be causally linked to NSCLC. The results will help create new ways of controlling and preventing NSCLC. Methods: The GEO database's NSCLC data were used to find differentially expressed genes, which were further analyzed for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. Use pathway enrichment analysis as a guide to screen exposure factors. The exposure variables that are causally associated with NSCLC were screened using a two-sample Mendelian randomization technique. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy analyze were employed to assess the validity of the study's findings. Results: Coronary atherosclerosis, cell adhesion molecule 3 (a molecule that maintains the normal structure and function of the lungs), dipeptidase 1 (one of the major adhesion receptors for neutrophils), thimet oligopeptidase (involved in hydrolyzing a variety of vasoactive signal peptides), and dipeptidyl peptidase 2 (an intracellular protease involved in the cell differentiation process and preventing cell death). The above five exposure factors were discovered to have an inverse relationship with NSCLC. Essentially, this implies that higher levels of these components can decrease the likelihood of developing lung cancer. No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected, and the study results were reliable. Conclusion: The study identified five potential exposure variables for NSCLC, laying the groundwork for treatment and prevention strategies and suggesting a new path for future research.