Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Highlights Causal Relationships Between Circulating INHBC and Multiple Cardiometabolic Diseases and Traits

Human genetic and transgenic mouse studies have highlighted a potential liver-adipose tissue endocrine axis, involving activin C (Act-C) and/or Act-E and ALK7, influencing fat distribution and systemic metabolism. We investigated the bidirectional effects between circulating INHBC, which homodimerizes into Act-C, and adiposity traits, insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Additionally, we examined whether Act-C is an ALK7 ligand in human adipocytes. We used Mendelian randomization and in vitro studies in immortalized human abdominal and gluteal adipocytes. Circulating INHBC was causally linked to reduced lower-body fat, dyslipidemia, and increased risks of coronary artery disease (CAD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conversely, upper-body fat distribution, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, subclinical inflammation, and type 2 diabetes positively impacted plasma INHBC levels. Mechanistically, an atherogenic lipid profile may partly explain the INHBC-CAD link, while inflammation and hypertriglyceridemia may partly explain how adiposity traits affect circulating INHBC. Phenome-wide Mendelian randomization showed weak causal relationships between higher plasma INHBC and impaired kidney function and higher gout risk. In human adipocytes, recombinant Act-C activated SMAD2/3 signaling via ALK7 and suppressed lipolysis. In summary, INHBC influences systemic metabolism by activating ALK7 in adipose tissue and may serve as a drug target for atherogenic dyslipidemia, CAD, and NAFLD. Article Highlights