Mendelian randomization indicates that TNF is not causally associated with Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONEpidemiological research has suggested that inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reduces the overall risk of Alzheimers disease (AD). TNF- antagonists have been suggested as a potential treatment for AD.\n\nMETHODSWe used a two-sample Mendelian randomization design to examine the causal relationship between blood TNF expression, serum TNF- levels, and RA on AD risk.\n\nRESULTSOur results do not support a causal relationship between TNF expression, serum TNF- levels or RA on AD risk.\n\nDISCUSSIONThese results suggest that TNF- antagonists are unlikely to reduce the risk of AD.