The causal relationship between gut microbiota and inflammatory dermatoses: a Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Human Genetics
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis (AD).
• The precise causal role of gut microbiota in these dermatoses remains uncertain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and six inflammatory dermatoses using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).
• To identify specific gut microbes that causally influence psoriasis, rosacea, AD, vitiligo, acne, and eczema.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
• Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for gut microbiota (MiBioGen) and inflammatory dermatoses (FinnGen, IEU Open GWAS).
• Employed statistical methods including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO to assess causality and pleiotropy.

Main Results:

• Identified 76 significant causal relationships between gut microbiota and six inflammatory dermatoses.
• Found specific gut microbes causally affecting psoriasis, rosacea, AD, vitiligo, acne, and eczema, with 42 protective and 34 risk factors.
• Highlighted Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria as protective, and noted bidirectional causality between AD and Eubacterium brachy group, and vitiligo and Ruminococcaceae UCG004.

Conclusions:

• This MR study establishes numerous causal links between the gut microbiome and inflammatory dermatoses.
• Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets within the gut microbiota for managing skin conditions.
• The identified causal relationships can inform clinical strategies for preventing and treating inflammatory dermatoses.