Lipid levels and multiple myeloma risk: insights from Meta-analysis and mendelian randomization

Lipid levels have been suggset to be correlated with multiple myeloma (MM) risk, though causality remains unconfirmed. To explore this further, a detailed study combining meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted.

Literature searches were performed on PubMed and Embase; summary data for plasma lipid traits were extracted from the IEU and MM data from the FinnGen database. Meta-analysis and MR were utilized to analyze the link of lipids with MM risk, including mediator MR to identify potential mediators. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and STROBE-MR guidelines.

Observational studies analyzed through meta-analysis showed that elevated levels of LDL, HDL, total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides correlate with a lower risk of MM, with HRs of 0.73, 0.59, 0.60, and 0.84, respectively. MR analysis confirmed a potential causal link of triglyceride with a reduced MM risk (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.98), independent of BMI. Mediation analysis pointed to X-11,423-O-sulfo-L-tyrosine and neuropilin-2 as potential mediators.

The findings suggest that higher lipid levels (LDL, HDL, TC, and triglycerides) are linked with a reduced MM risk, and higher triglyceride levels are causally associated with a reduced MM risk. This suggests new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting MM.