Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota, Metabolites, and Sarcopenia: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Microbiome research
• Genetics

Background:

• Gut microbiota imbalance and sarcopenia are prevalent in older adults.
• Gut microbes and metabolites are potential risk factors for sarcopenia, but causality is unproven.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal associations between gut microbiota, their metabolites, and sarcopenia using Mendelian randomization.
• To identify specific gut bacteria and metabolites linked to sarcopenia risk and related physical function metrics.

Main Methods:

• Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing large-scale genome-wide association studies.
• Instrumental variables were single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
• Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure result robustness.

Main Results:

• MR analysis revealed genetically predicted gut microbiota and metabolites are associated with sarcopenia risk.
• Specific bacteria (Porphyromonadaceae, Rikenellaceae, Terrisporobacter, Victivallis) linked to walking pace.
• Associations found between certain bacteria and appendicular lean mass, grip strength, and 21 gut microbiota-derived metabolites with sarcopenia risk.

Conclusions:

• This study establishes a causal relationship between gut microbiota, metabolites, and sarcopenia.
• Gut microbiota and metabolites may be significant risk factors for sarcopenia.
• Findings offer potential novel therapeutic targets for sarcopenia.