Causal association between gut microbiota and hyperemesis gravidarum: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between gut microbiota (GM) and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
• The causal relationship between GM and HG remains unclear.
• This study investigates the causal role of GM in HG development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To infer causal relationships between gut microbiota composition and hyperemesis gravidarum risk.
• To identify specific bacterial taxa causally associated with HG.
• To explore potential therapeutic targets for HG by modulating the gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
• Inverse-variance weighted MR for causal inference.
• Sensitivity analyses and reverse MR to assess robustness and causality.

Main Results:

• Several bacterial genera (e.g., *Defluviitaleaceae UCG011*, *Ruminococcus1*, *Ruminococcus2*, *Turicibacter*) and the phylum *Verrucomicrobiota* were positively associated with HG risk.
• The genus *Coprococcus2* showed a decreased association with HG risk.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the GM-HG association, with no evidence of reverse causality.

Conclusions:

• Mendelian randomization provides novel insights into the causal links between gut microbiota and HG.
• Specific gut microbial taxa are causally associated with HG risk.
• Modulating the gut microbiota presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing HG.