usefulness of mendelian randomization in observational epidemiology有效性的观察性流行病学孟德尔随机化.pdfVIP

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7, 711-728; doi:10.3390/ijerph7030711 OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ISSN 1660-4601 /journal/ijerph Review Usefulness of Mendelian Randomization in Observational Epidemiology Murielle Bochud * and Valentin Rousson University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Rue du Bugnon 17, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; E-Mail: Valentin.Rousson@chuv.ch * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: Murielle.Bochud@chuv.ch; Tel.: +41-21-314-0899; Fax: +41-21-314-7373. Received: 29 December 2009 / Accepted: 16 February 2010 / Published: 26 February 2010 Abstract: Mendelian randomization refers to the random allocation of alleles at the time of gamete formation. In observational epidemiology, this refers to the use of genetic variants to estimate a causal effect between a modifiable risk factor and an outcome of interest. In this review, we recall the principles of a ―Mendelian randomization‖ approach in observational epidemiology, which is based on the technique of instrumental variables; we provide simulations and an example based on real data to demonstrate its implications; we present the results of a systematic search on original articles having used this approach; and we discuss some limitations of this approach in view of what has been found so far. Keywords: genetic epidemiology