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Insight into the Causal Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Back Pain: A Two Sample Bidirectional Mendelian
Jingni Hui1, Yujing Chen1, Chun'e Li1
1Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission School of Public Health Health Science Center Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 71006 P. R. China.
Advanced Genetics (Hoboken, N.J.)
|December 15, 2023
Summary
This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate causal links between gut bacteria and low back pain. Certain gut bacteria, like Peptostreptococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae, may increase pain risk, while others like Ruminococcaceae may decrease it.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Genetics
- Pain epidemiology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and low back pain.
- The causal nature of this association remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and low back pain.
- To investigate potential reverse causation from low back pain to gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed.
- Inverse variance weighted (IVW) regression was the primary analytical method.
- MR-Egger and Weighted Median methods were used for robustness checks, alongside reverse MR analysis.
Main Results:
- Positive associations were found between Peptostreptococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae with low back pain.
- Negative associations were observed for Ruminococcaceae, Butyricicoccus, and Lachnospiraceae with low back pain.
- Causal relationships between specific gut bacteria and low back pain were identified.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for a causal link between gut microbiota and low back pain.
- Further research into the biological mechanisms underlying these gut microbiota-low back pain interactions is warranted.
