Revealing the link between gut microbiota and brain tumor risk: a new perspective from Mendelian randomization

Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota may be related to the occurrence of brain tumors, but direct evidence is lacking. This study used the Mendelian randomization study (MR) method to explore the potential causal link between gut microbiota and brain tumors.

We analyzed the genome-wide association data between 211 gut microbiota taxa and brain tumors, using the largest existing gut microbiota Genome-Wide Association Studies meta-analysis data (n=13266) and combining it with brain tumor data in the IEU OpenGWAS database. We use inverse-variance weighted analysis, supplemented by methods such as Mendelian randomization-Egger regression, weighted median estimator, simple mode, and weighted mode, to assess causality. In addition, we also conducted the Mendelian randomization-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, and Mendelian randomization Steiger directionality test to ensure the accuracy of the analysis. Quality control includes sensitivity analysis, horizontal gene pleiotropy test, heterogeneity test, and MR Steiger directionality test.

Our study found that specific gut microbial taxa, such as order Lactobacillales and family Clostridiaceae1, were positively correlated with the occurrence of brain tumors, while genus Defluviitaleaceae UCG011 and genus Flavonifractor were negatively correlated with the occurrence of brain tumors. The Mendelian randomization-Egger intercept test showed that our analysis was not affected by pleiotropy (P>0.05).

This study reveals for the first time the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and brain tumors, providing a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of early brain tumors. These findings may help develop new clinical intervention strategies and point the way for future research.