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Causal effect between gut microbiota and pancreatic cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Zhichen Jiang1, Yiping Mou2,3, Huiju Wang2,3
1The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
BMC Cancer
|November 10, 2023
Summary
This study reveals a causal link between specific gut bacteria and pancreatic cancer (PC). Certain bacteria like Senegalimassilia may protect against PC, while others such as Odoribacter and Streptococcus increase risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Gut microbiota (GM) plays a regulatory role in pancreatic cancer (PC).
- The causal relationship between GM and PC remains unconfirmed.
- Microbial metabolites are increasingly recognized for their influence on PC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal effect of gut microbiota on pancreatic cancer.
- To identify specific bacterial genera associated with PC risk.
- To leverage Mendelian randomization for causal inference.
Main Methods:
- Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed.
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from MiBioGen (exposure) and FinnGen (outcome) were utilized.
- Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method served as the primary analytical approach.
Main Results:
- Senegalimassilia showed a protective effect against PC (OR: 0.635, P=0.049).
- Odoribacter, Ruminiclostridium 9, Ruminococcaceae (UCG011), and Streptococcus were identified as risk factors for PC.
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed no significant heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or reverse causality.
Conclusions:
- Specific gut microbiota genera have a causal effect on pancreatic cancer.
- These findings offer insights into PC pathogenesis.
- Potential therapeutic strategies targeting GM for PC may be developed.
