Mendelian randomization analysis identifies potential drug targets for spinal osteoarthritis

• Mendelian randomization identified four plasma proteins (CD14, IL12B, MST1, SEMA4A) with causal links to spinal osteoarthritis. • IL12B is negatively associated with spinal osteoarthritis, while CD14, MST1, and SEMA4A are positively associated. • Drug prediction and molecular docking suggest tesmilifene, montelukast, naphthylamine, and colchicine as potential therapeutic agents. • These findings offer new biomarkers and drug targets for spinal osteoarthritis, with implications for personalized diagnosis and treatment.