ArticlePloS one2024
Examining the causal relationship between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and infertility: A Mendelian randomization study.
Article in PloS one, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Sex hormone-binding globulin and coronary heart disease: a narrative review of associations and biomarker potential.Journal of thoracic disease · 2026Review
- Unraveling the Complexity of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment.Current pharmaceutical design · 2026Review
- New Insights in the Diagnostic Potential of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)-Clinical Approach.Biomedicines · 2025Review
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundThe causal relationship between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and infertility has remained unclear. Thus, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate this relationship.
methodsRisk factors for SHBG were extracted from European individuals within the UK Biobank using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Summary-level data for infertility outcomes were obtained from the FinnGen dataset. The causal relationship between SHBG and infertility was examined using inverse variance weighted, weighted model, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression analyses. Additionally, Cochran's Q test and Egger intercept tests were used to confirm the heterogeneity and pleiotropy of identified instrumental variables (IVs).
resultsOur findings revealed a significant negative association between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels and infertility, particularly with anovulation, a specific form of female infertility. However, SHBG did not exert a causal impact on male infertility or on female infertility of tubal origin.
conclusionsSHBG expression offers protection against the development of certain types of female infertility, suggesting it is a potential therapeutic target for infertility.
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