An investigation of causality between obstructive sleep apnea and interstitial lung disease: Insights from two-sample mendelian randomization

Background: Previous observational studies have suggested a potential link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), however, the casual relationship between OSA and ILD remains uncertain. Objective: This study aims to rigorously assess the potential causal relationship between OSA and ILD. Methods: The study utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data on OSA and ILD. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) were employed to explore the causal relationship. Multiple MR methods such as MR Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighting (IVW), and weighted mode were used. Results: Univariate MR analyses using IVW analysis indicates a potential association between ILD and an increased risk of OSA (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.071, 95 % CI: 1.018 to 1.126, P = 0.007). However, no compelling evidence supports a reverse causal relationship in the findings above. A thorough analysis further validates the reliability of the present study. Following adjustment for the effects of smoking and BMI in multivariate MR analyses, ILD still has a positive independently association with OSA risk (OR = 1.117, 95 % CI: 1.018 to 1.225, P = 0.020). Conclusions: Our study identifies ILD as a causal risk factor for OSA, providing the evidence for the prevention and treatment of the disease.