A Mendelian randomized study to investigate the role of creatine in mediating the effects of immune cells on the risk of depression

Objective: To investigate the causal relationship between immune cell phenotypes, plasma metabolites, and the risk of depression. Additionally, to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which immune cells influence depression through metabolic pathways. Methods: Based on a two-sample study framework utilizing Mendelian randomization, this study integrated data from genome-wide association studies involving 731 immune cell phenotypes, 1400 plasma metabolites, and genetic information related to depression. The analysis involved examining the associations between immune cells and various metabolites in relation to depression.