The underlying mechanisms may involve two pathways: (1) socio-contextual confounding pathways, where marital status indirectly modulates the NPAR and BC risk through lifestyle factors (e.g., dietary habits, medical adherence) and psychosocial stress, and (2) potential biological pathways, such as mediation via sex hormone fluctuations and chronic inflammation (although direct evidence remains lacking). The gene discussed is PLXNA3; the disease is breast cancer.