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Causal associations between human gut microbiota and cholelithiasis: a mendelian randomization study
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|June 12, 2023
Summary
This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal link between gut bacteria and gallstones. Certain gut microbes may increase gallstone risk, while others might reduce it.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The relationship between gut microbiota and cholelithiasis (gallstones) is suspected but not fully understood.
- Causal links require robust investigation beyond observational studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the potential causal relationship between specific gut microbial taxa and cholelithiasis.
- To employ a robust genetic epidemiology approach for causal inference.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
- Leveraged Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data for gut microbiota (MiBioGen) and cholelithiasis (UK Biobank).
- Employed inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and sensitivity analyses, including reverse MR.
Main Results:
- Identified nine gut microbial taxa with a potential causal link to cholelithiasis.
- Found positive associations for *Genus Butyrivibrio*, *Genus Lachnospiraceae_UCG_001*, *Genus Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group*, and *Genus Ruminococcaceae_UCG_011*.
- Observed potential protective effects from *Order Rhodospirillales*, *Genus Actinomyces*, *Genus Phascolarctobacterium*, *Genus Rikenellaceae_RC9_gutgroup*, and *Genus Ruminococcaceae_UCG_013*.
Conclusions:
- This is the first MR study to establish causalities between specific gut microbes and gallstones.
- Findings offer novel insights for future prevention and treatment strategies for cholelithiasis.
- Results highlight the gut microbiome's role in gallstone pathogenesis.
