title: Usefulness of Mendelian randomization in observational epidemiology.
abstract: 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 technique of instrumental variables; we provide simulations and an example based on real data to demonstrate its implications; we present the results of a systematic search on original articles having used this approach; and we discuss some limitations of this approach in view of what has been found so far.
authors.affiliation: University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Rue du Bugnon 17, Lausanne, Switzerland. Murielle.Bochud@chuv.ch
authors.forename: Murielle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bochud
authors.forename: Valentin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rousson
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors