Mendelian randomization refers to an analytic approach to assess the causality of an
observed association between a modifiable exposure or risk factor and a clinically relevant
outcome. It presents a valuable tool, especially when randomized controlled trials to
examine causality are not feasible and observational studies provide biased associations
because of confounding or reverse causality. These issues are addressed by using genetic
variants as instrumental variables for the tested exposure: the alleles of this exposure …