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

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Ophthalmology
• Genetic epidemiology

Background:

• Gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in human health.
• Chalazion is a common eyelid inflammation with unclear etiology.
• Understanding the link between GM and chalazion could reveal new therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and chalazion.
• To identify specific gut bacteria associated with chalazion risk or protection.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for GM and chalazion.
• Employed inverse variance weighted (IVW) and other MR methods.
• Assessed heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO.

Main Results:

• Identified 1,509 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 119 genera as instrumental variables.
• Family XIII AD3011 group and Catenibacterium were associated with an increased risk of chalazion (IVW estimate).
• Veillonella showed a protective association against chalazion (IVW estimate).

Conclusions:

• Established a potential causal link between specific gut microbiota and chalazion.
• Catenibacterium and Family XIII AD3011 group may contribute to chalazion risk.
• Veillonella may offer protection against chalazion, warranting further mechanistic studies.