Is There a Causal Relationship Between IBD, Lipid Profile?

A recent study assessed the link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and lipid profile. The results were published in eGastroenterology.

The researchers acknowledged that prior studies have shown discrepancies in lipid levels among patients with IBD. For example, previous reports suggest lower cholesterol levels in individuals with IBD compared with healthy controls, while others find no substantial differences. These inconsistencies, the investigators noted, underscore the limitations of conventional observational studies. In contrast, Mendelian randomization (MR) can overcome these limitations.

Researchers used MR to investigate the potential causal link between lipid profile and IBD. The results showed no significant causal relationship between 7 lipid factors and the risk of developing IBD. The results were consistent for 2 subtypes of IBD, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. These findings suggest that regulating lipid levels may not directly influence the risk of IBD.