Table 1 Mendelian randomization associations between genetically predicted plasma caffeine levels and circulating proteins
Protein | Estimate (95% CI) | pfdr | Protein function* |
|---|---|---|---|
Immunoglobulin heavy constant-γ4 | − 0.49 (− 0.58; − 0.40) | 6.1×10−22 | Adaptive immunity. Triggers clonal expansion and differentiation of B-lymphocytes and eliminates bound antigens [25]. |
Neuroepithelial cell transforming-1 | − 0.34 (− 0.43; − 0.25) | 7.1×10−10 | GTP activity. Acts as guanine nucleotide exchange factor for RhoA GTPase [26]. |
Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase-1β | − 0.29 (− 0.38; − 0.20) | 1.5×10−06 | Protein metabolism. Regulates protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, including that of proinsulin [27]. |
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor | − 0.26 (− 0.35; − 0.17) | 2.0×10−05 | Innate immunity. Pro-inflammatory cytokine that regulates macrophage function [28]. |
SLIT and NTRK-like family member-3 | 0.26 (0.16; 0.35) | 5.6×10−05 | Synaptic regulation. Suppresses neurite outgrowth [29]. |
Protein phosphatase-1 regulatory subunit 3β | − 0.24 (− 0.33; − 0.15) | 3.8×10−04 | Glycogen metabolism. Limits the breakdown of glycogen and increases its synthesis under stress [30]. |
Hexosaminidase subunit-β | − 0.20 (− 0.29; − 0.11) | 9.2×10−03 | Glycogen metabolism.Responsible for the hydrolysis of neutrally charged oligosaccharides [31]. |