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The causality between gut microbiome and liver cirrhosis: a bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization
Qing-Ao Xiao1,2, Yun-Fei Yang2,3, Lin Chen2,4
1Department of Interventional Radiology, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 3, 2023
Summary
This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal link between gut microbes and liver cirrhosis. Certain gut bacteria, like Lachnospiraceae, may harm cirrhosis, while others, like Erysipelatoclostridium, may protect against it.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The relationship between gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis is known, but causality remains uncertain.
- Understanding this link is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal effects between gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis using bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To identify specific gut microbes that may influence the development or progression of liver cirrhosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized large-scale Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) data for cirrhosis and gut microbes.
- Employed two-sample and bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess causality and its direction.
Main Results:
- Identified 21 gut microbes potentially associated with cirrhosis and 11 with genetic liability in the gut microbiome.
- Found Lachnospiraceae family potentially harmful (OR: 1.59) and Erysipelatoclostridium genus potentially protective (OR: 0.55) for cirrhosis.
- Established a bi-directional causal effect between Genus Butyricicoccus and Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC).
Conclusions:
- Provided novel evidence for a causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis.
- Highlighted the significant role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cirrhosis, offering new therapeutic targets.
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