On the use of Mendelian randomization to infer causality in observational epidemiology.

Running Head: Mendelian Randomization Using Genetic Information to Infer Causality in Observational Data: Mendelian Randomization

Emerging Themes in Epidemiology Analytic perspective Can we apply the Mendelian randomization methodology without considering epigenetic effects?

Introduction: Instrumental variable (IV) methods have been used in econometrics for several decades now, but have only recently been introduced into the epidemiologic research frameworks. Similarly, Mendelian randomization studies, which use the IV methodology for analysis and inference in epidemiology, were introduced into the epidemiologist's toolbox only in the last decade. Analysis: Mendeli...

Can we apply the Mendelian randomization methodology without considering epigenetic effects?

INTRODUCTION Instrumental variable (IV) methods have been used in econometrics for several decades now, but have only recently been introduced into the epidemiologic research frameworks. Similarly, Mendelian randomization studies, which use the IV methodology for analysis and inference in epidemiology, were introduced into the epidemiologist's toolbox only in the last decade. ANALYSIS Mendeli...

'Mendelian randomization': can genetic epidemiology contribute to understanding environmental determinants of disease?

Associations between modifiable exposures and disease seen in observational epidemiology are sometimes confounded and thus misleading, despite our best efforts to improve the design and analysis of studies. Mendelian randomization-the random assortment of genes from parents to offspring that occurs during gamete formation and conception-provides one method for assessing the causal nature of som...

Usefulness of Mendelian Randomization in Observational Epidemiology

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 ...