Mendelian randomization (MR) is a statistical method used in epidemiology and genetics to evaluate causal relationships between risk factors (exposures) and health outcomes (diseases) using genetic variants. The technique leverages the principle of Mendelian inheritance, which refers to how genes are passed from parents to offspring.
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Mendelian randomization uses inherited genetic variants associated with an exposure as instrumental variables. Its causal interpretation requires instrument relevance, instrumental-variable independence, and the exclusion restriction.