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Causal associations between gut microbiota and primary biliary cholangitis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian
Jiahao Zhang1,2, Gefeng Wu1,2, Yuhong Tang1
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 30, 2023
Summary
This study used Mendelian Randomization to investigate the causal link between gut microbiota and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Specific gut bacteria were found to increase or decrease PBC risk, suggesting new avenues for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous research suggests a link between gut microbiota and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
- However, the causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and PBC risk remains undetermined.
- This study aims to clarify the causal role of gut microbiota in PBC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationships between specific gut microbiota and the risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
- To explore bidirectional causal associations between gut microbial taxa and PBC.
- To identify specific gut bacteria that may influence PBC development.
Main Methods:
- A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study was conducted.
- Summary statistics from the MiBioGen consortium and GWAS database were utilized for 211 gut microbial traits.
- The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method was the primary analysis, with pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests for robustness.
Main Results:
- Five gut microbial taxa showed a significant causal association with PBC risk.
- Order Selenomonadales, Order Bifidobacteriales, and Genus Lachnospiraceae_UCG_004 were associated with increased PBC risk.
- Family Peptostreptococcaceae and Family Ruminococcaceae were associated with a protective effect against PBC.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes a causal link between specific gut microbiota and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
- Findings offer novel insights for the clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PBC.
- The identified gut bacteria may serve as potential therapeutic targets for PBC.
