Causal associations between the gut microbiota and multiple myeloma: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and multiple myeloma (MM).
• The precise relationship and causality remain unclear.
• Understanding this connection is crucial for MM prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and multiple myeloma (MM).
• To identify specific gut bacteria or microbial communities associated with MM risk.
• To leverage genetic data for robust causal inference.

Main Methods:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed.
• Exposure data on 211 bacterial traits was sourced from the MiBioGen consortium.
• Multiple myeloma outcome data was obtained from the FinnGen consortium.
• Inverse-variance weighting and sensitivity analyses (MR Egger, weighted median, MR-PRESSO) were utilized.

Main Results:

• A significant positive association was found between the Eubacterium ruminantium group and MM risk (OR 1.71).
• Several genera (Dorea, Coprococcus1, RuminococcaceaeUCG014, Eubacterium rectale group) and higher taxonomic ranks (Victivallales, Lentisphaeria) showed a protective association with MM.
• Sensitivity analyses supported the primary findings.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first MR investigation into the gut microbiota-MM relationship.
• Specific gut microbial taxa are causally associated with multiple myeloma risk.
• Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets within the gut microbiome for MM prevention and treatment.