A causal examination of the correlation between hormonal and reproductive factors and low back pain

Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1326761 · Published: May 10, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study explores the potential causal links between hormonal and reproductive factors and low back pain (LBP). It uses Mendelian randomization (MR) to analyze publicly available data and investigate the impact of factors like age at menopause (ANM), age at menarche (AAM), and age at first birth (AFB) on LBP. Mendelian randomization is employed to overcome biases found in observational studies. SNPs are used as instrumental variables to assess the causal effects of hormonal and reproductive factors on LBP. The research found that earlier ages at menarche, first birth, last live birth, and first sexual intercourse may decrease the risk of LBP. These findings could help in developing better prevention and treatment strategies for women at risk.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

177,860 participants of European ancestry (13,178 cases and 164,682 controls)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
AAM (OR=0.784, 95% CI: 0.689-0.891; p=3.53E-04), AFB (OR=0.558, 95% CI: 0.436-0.715; p=8.97E-06), ALB (OR=0.396, 95% CI: 0.226-0.692; p=0.002), and AFS (OR=0.602, 95% CI: 0.518-0.700; p=3.47E-10) were associated with a decreased risk of LBP.
2
No significant causal effects of LBP on ANM, AAM, LMC and AFS were observed in the reverse MR analysis.
3
Multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis demonstrated the continued significance of the causal effect of AFB on LBP after adjusting for BMI.

Research Summary

This study uses Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal relationships between hormonal and reproductive factors (ANM, AAM, LMC, AFB, AFS, ALB) and the prevalence of low back pain (LBP). The study found that early menarche, early age at first birth, early age at last live birth and early age first had sexual intercourse may decrease the risk of LBP. These findings enhance the understanding of LBP risk factors and offer valuable guidance for screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for at-risk women.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Screening

Identify women with later menarche, later age at first birth, later age at last live birth and later age first had sexual intercourse as being at higher risk of LBP.

Preventive Strategies

Develop targeted interventions focusing on hormonal and reproductive health to mitigate LBP risk in susceptible women.

Treatment Approaches

Consider hormonal and reproductive factors when designing treatment plans for women experiencing LBP.

Study Limitations

1
Exclusive reliance on European GWAS data may limit generalizability.
2
Inclusion of both genders in the outcome data might also weaken the observed associations.
3
Potential bias introduced by gender heterogeneity in the dataset.

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