Mendelian randomization supports causality between gut microbiota and chronic hepatitis B

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Hepatology
• Genetics

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) progression.
• Establishing a causal relationship between gut microbiota and CHB requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
• To identify specific gut microbes that may influence the risk or progression of CHB.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
• Employed multiple MR methods including IVW, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO.
• Assessed genetic correlations using Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC).

Main Results:

• Identified three gut microbial taxa (Alphaproteobacteria, Family XIII AD3011 group, Prevotella 7) with a protective effect against CHB.
• Found five gut microbial taxa (Family XIII, Eggerthella group, Eubacterium ventriosum group, Holdemania, Ruminococcus gauvreauii group) associated with an increased risk of CHB.
• LDSC analysis confirmed significant genetic correlations between identified microbes and CHB.

Conclusions:

• This study identified specific gut microbiota with protective or adverse effects on CHB.
• Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for CHB, possibly through fecal microbiota transplantation.