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Evidence from mendelian randomization identifies several causal relationships between primary membranous nephropathy
Jianwei Wu1, Jing Zhang1, Gang Huang2
1Department of Medical Technology, Gannan Healthcare Vocational College, Ganzhou, China.
Background:
Research has showcased a correlation between disruptions in gut microbiota and primary membranous nephropathy (pMN), giving rise to the concept of the 'gut-kidney axis'. However, the precise relationship between gut microbiota and pMN remains elusive. Hence, this study endeavors to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between gut microbiota and pMN utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
The primary method employed for MR analysis is the inverse variance weighting method, supplemented by MR-Egger and the weighted median method, to infer causality. This approach was validated within the pMN cohort across two distinct populations.
Results:
At the species level, the abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Alistipes indistinctus was negatively correlated with the risk of pMN. Conversely, pMN was positively associated with Bacilli abundance at the class level, Lachnospiraceae abundance at the family level, and Dialister abundance at the genus level. Specifically, at the species level, pMN was positively correlated with the abundance of Ruminococcus lactaris, Dialister invisus, and Coprococcus_sp_ART55_1.
Conclusion:
These findings lay the groundwork for future research exploring the interplay between pMN and the gut microbiota, with substantial implications for the prevention and treatment of pMN and its associated complications.
Insights
This study used Mendelian randomization to explore the gut-kidney axis, finding specific gut bacteria linked to primary membranous nephropathy (pMN). These insights could guide future pMN prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nephrology
- Genetics
Background:
- A correlation exists between gut microbiota disruptions and primary membranous nephropathy (pMN), suggesting a 'gut-kidney axis'.
- The exact causal relationship between gut microbiota and pMN remains unclear.
- This study investigates potential causality using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a causal relationship exists between gut microbiota composition and primary membranous nephropathy (pMN).
- To identify specific gut microbial taxa associated with pMN risk.
Main Methods:
- Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to infer causality.
- Inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were utilized.
- The MR approach was validated in pMN cohorts across two populations.
Main Results:
- Negative correlation between pMN risk and abundance of *Bifidobacterium bifidum* and *Alistipes indistinctus* species.
- Positive association between pMN risk and abundance of *Bacilli* (class), *Lachnospiraceae* (family), and *Dialister* (genus).
- Positive correlation between pMN risk and abundance of *Ruminococcus lactaris*, *Dialister invisus*, and *Coprococcus_sp_ART55_1* species.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a link between specific gut microbiota and primary membranous nephropathy (pMN).
- Identified microbial signatures may offer novel targets for pMN prevention and treatment.
- Further research into the gut-kidney axis in pMN is warranted.
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