멘델 무작위화(Mendelian randomization, MR) 연구는 조절 가능한 노출(modifiable exposure)이 건강결과에 미치는 인과효과(causal effect)를 더 잘 이해하게 해 주지만, 그 근거는 종종 보고가 불충분함으로 인하여연구 결과의 해석과 적용에 한계가 있을 수 있다. 보고지침은 흔히 무슨 연구를 하고 무엇을 발견했는지 독자가 쉽게 이해하도록 돕는다. STROBE-MR(관찰연구의 멘델 무작위화를 활용한 보고지침)은 MR 연구를 명확하고 투명하게 보고하도록 돕는다. STROBE-MR을 논문 작성에 활용하면 독자, 심사자, 학술지 편집인이 MR 연구의 보고 품질과 완성도를 평가하는 데 도움이 될 것이다. 이 글은 STROBE-MR 체크리스트 20개 항목의 의미와 근거를 설명하고, 각 항목마다 사례를 제시해 독자가 잘 이해할 수 있는 논문 작성법을 설명하려고 하였다.

Alcohol consumption is a serious health issue in Korea in terms of the amount consumed and the behavior related to its consumption. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a key enzyme in alcohol metabolism that degrades acetaldehyde to nontoxic acetic acid. The enzyme is coded by the ALDH2 gene, which is commonly polymorphic in East Asian populations. A point mutation in the ALDH2 gene (the rs671 allele) yields an inactive form of ALDH2 that causes acetaldehyde accumulation in the body after alcohol consumption, thereby inhibiting normal alcohol metabolism. Individuals who are homozygous for polymorphism in ALDH2 tend to refrain from drinking alcohol, decreasing their chances of developing alcoholism and exposure to the associated risks. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption predicted by ALDH2 genotype is causally related to cardiovascular risks. Moreover, recent MR studies suggest that the ALDH2 variant has mechanistic effects on some disease outcomes or mortality through increased blood levels of acetaldehyde, showing differences therein between heterozygotes (ALDH2*2*2) and homozygotes (ALDH2*1*2) in those who consume alcohol. Accordingly, consideration of ALDH2 genotype in alcohol prevention programs is warranted. In conclusion, strategies that incorporate genetic information and provide an evidential basis from which to help people make informed decisions on alcohol consumption are urgently required.
Acetaldehyde ; Acetic Acid ; Alcohol Drinking* ; Alcoholism ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Drinking ; Genotype ; Heterozygote ; Homozygote ; Humans ; Korea* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Metabolism ; Mortality ; Point Mutation ; Random Allocation