Risk factors of ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Mendelian randomiation studies
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a major global health issue, often diagnosed late and lacking effective screening.
Methods: MR studies until 11 September 2023 were identified by a systematic search across nine databases. We complied with PRISMA guidelines and included different OC subtypes and all exposures studied, conducting meta-analyses where feasible to combine estimates from non-overlapping samples.
Results: We identified 120 articles examining genetic evidence for an association between 230 exposures and OC risk. Endometriosis, late age at menopause, and several adiposity measures were robustly associated with greater OC risk. In contrast, late age at menarche, higher adiponectin, and body fat without adverse metabolic profile were associated with lower risk (favourable adiposity: meta-analysis OR per SD 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.61). Meta-analyses on lipid-lowering drug target HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.53-0.82), serum vitamin D (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.95), and dried fruit intake (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.91) were supportive of protective associations.
Conclusions: Genetic evidence confirms OC risks associated with endometriosis, and age at menarche and menopause. While greater overall adiposity increases the risk, fat without an adverse metabolic profile appears protective. Associations between vitamin D and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition with OC risk warrant further study.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- eggNOG 5.0: a hierarchical, functionally and phylogenetically annotated orthology resource based on 5090 organisms and 2502 viruses
- Online Survival Analysis Software to Assess the Prognostic Value of Biomarkers Using Transcriptomic Data in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- OptiType: precision HLA typing from next-generation sequencing data
- Nicotinic Cholinergic System and COVID-19: In Silico Identification of an Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Nicotinic Receptors with Potential Therapeutic Targeting Implications
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells have three Omega class glutathione S-transferases acting as 1-Cys thiol transferases
- Hemolysis at low blood flow rates: in-vitro and in-silico evaluation of a centrifugal blood pump
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.