Causal Association of Total Bilirubin and Albumin Levels with Lung Cancer Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Background: Our study aimed to examine the causal relationship between total bilirubin and albumin levels and the risk of developing lung cancer (LC). Previous studies have suggested that the antioxidant properties of these two biomarkers may potentially inhibit cancer development. However, the available evidence on the relationship between total bilirubin and albumin levels and the risk of LC remains inconsistent. Method: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) study to investigate the association between total bilirubin and albumin levels and the risk of developing LC and assess their causality. We retrieved aggregate statistical datasets from publicly accessible genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of bilirubin and albumin and utilized them as the exposure. Results: Our findings indicated that bilirubin and albumin levels were associated with an increased risk of LC. The findings were as follows: bilirubin: odds ratio (OR) = 1.341%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.076–1.672, p = 0.009; albumin: OR = 1.582%, 95% CI: 1.077–2.323, p = 0.019. Conclusion: This TSMR analysis indicates that bilirubin and albumin levels positively correlate with an increased risk of LC. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the causes of LC and offer insights into its prevention.