Causal effects of gut microbiota on appendicitis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between gut microbiota and appendicitis is unclear.
• Previous studies suggest a correlation, but causal links are debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the causal relationship between gut microbiota and appendicitis.
• To leverage Mendelian randomization (MR) for robust analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data.
• Performed MR analysis with Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) and other methods.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses (Cochran's Q, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO).

Main Results:

• Certain bacteria (e.g., Deltaproteobacteria) inversely correlate with appendicitis risk.
• Other bacteria (e.g., Family XIII, Howardella) positively correlate with appendicitis susceptibility.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings and ruled out reverse causality.

Conclusions:

• Identified potential causal links between specific gut microbes and appendicitis.
• Provides new insights into appendicitis pathogenesis.
• Suggests implications for future preventive and therapeutic strategies.