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Causal association between gut microbiota and fibromyalgia: a Mendelian randomization study
Zhaohua Wang1,2, Dan Jiang3, Min Zhang1,2
1Beijing Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 23, 2024
Summary
This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal link between gut microbiota and fibromyalgia (FM). Certain gut bacteria genera were found to significantly increase or decrease the risk of developing FM.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition with unknown causes.
- Emerging research suggests a connection between gut bacteria and FM, but causality is unproven.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causal relationship between gut microbiota and fibromyalgia.
- To identify specific gut bacteria genera associated with FM risk.
Main Methods:
- A Mendelian randomization (MR) study utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics.
- Analysis of 119 gut microbiota genera using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods.
- Sensitivity analyses including heterogeneity, leave-one-out, and pleiotropy tests were performed.
Main Results:
- Five gut bacteria genera showed a significant causal association with FM.
- Increased risk of FM was linked to *Coprococcus2*, *Eggerthella*, and *Lactobacillus*.
- Reduced risk of FM was associated with FamilyXIIIUCG001 and *Olsenella*.
Conclusions:
- This MR study provides evidence for a causal link between gut microbiota and fibromyalgia.
- Findings offer new insights into the gut microbiota's role in FM pathogenesis.
