Assessing causal relationships between gut microbiota and abortion: evidence from two sample Mendelian randomization...

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Genetics
• Reproductive health

Background:

• Emerging evidence suggests a connection between gut microbiota and abortion.
• The precise causal link between gut bacteria and abortion remains largely undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA) and habitual abortion (HA).

Main Methods:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted.
• Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from MiBioGen and FinnGen were utilized for gut microbiota (exposure) and abortion (outcome) data.

Main Results:

• Five genetically predicted gut microbiota genera were associated with abortion risk.
• Lactococcus showed a negative correlation with SA risk; Eubacterium fissicatena group showed a positive correlation.
• Coprococcus3 and Odoribacter were linked to reduced HA risk; Eubacterium ruminantium group was associated with increased HA risk.

Conclusions:

• This research indicates a genetic causal link between specific gut bacteria and abortion.
• Findings enhance the understanding of the gut microbiota's role in abortion pathology.