Gut microbiota linked to hydrocephalus through inflammatory factors: a Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• The gut microbiota's role in neurological disorders is increasingly recognized.
• Specific mechanisms linking gut bacteria to hydrocephalus remain largely unexplored.
• Inflammatory factors may mediate the gut microbiota-hydrocephalus axis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and hydrocephalus.
• To identify the mediating role of inflammatory factors, specifically IL-17A and IL-27, in this relationship.
• To elucidate potential mechanistic pathways between the gut microbiota and hydrocephalus.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses utilizing summary statistics.
• Assessment of causal links between gut microbiota taxa, IL-17A, IL-27, and hydrocephalus types.
• Mediator MR analyses to quantify the indirect effects of gut microbiota on hydrocephalus via inflammatory factors.
• Sensitivity analyses to ensure result robustness.

Main Results:

• The phylum Firmicutes was associated with a reduced risk of obstructive hydrocephalus (OR, 0.34; P=2.71E-03).
• Firmicutes decreased obstructive hydrocephalus risk by increasing IL-17A levels (mediating effect = 21.01%).
• The genus Eubacterium ruminantium group increased normal-pressure hydrocephalus risk by decreasing IL-27 levels (mediating effect = 7.48%).

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota composition is causally linked to hydrocephalus risk.
• Inflammatory factors IL-17A and IL-27 mediate the relationship between specific gut bacteria and hydrocephalus.
• These findings provide a foundation for understanding the gut microbiota-brain axis in hydrocephalus pathogenesis.