The Causal Relationship Between Skin Microbiota and Facial Aging: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Facial aging is a complex process influenced by environmental factors, genetics, and lifestyle. The contribution of the skin microbiota to this process remains poorly understood.

This two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed using genome-wide genotype data from the UK Biobank and previously published studies on skin microbiota. The primary approach for MR analyses included inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, simple mode, weighted median, and weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy, and reverse-direction MR analyses were performed to evaluate potential reverse causation.

The MR analysis identified ten skin microbiotas with potential causal relationships with facial aging. Protective skin microbiotas included Genus Finegoldia, ASV011 [Staphylococcus (unc.)], ASV008 [Staphylococcus (unc.)], phylum Firmicutes, Family Rhodobacteraceae, and ASV021 [Micrococcus (unc.)], which were negatively associated with facial aging. Conversely, Order Pseudomonadales, Family Moraxellaceae, ASV039 [Acinetobacter (unc.)], and phylum Bacteroidetes were positively associated with facial aging, indicating a risk factor for accelerated aging. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and reverse-direction MR analyses did not suggest any reverse causation.

This study identified specific skin microbial that may influence facial aging and offered new insights into the rejuvenation strategies.

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