Causation between the gut microbiota and inguinal hernia: a two-sample double-sided Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Conditions

Background:

• Inguinal hernias are common, often linked to abdominal muscle defects.
• Gut microbiota influences skeletal muscle aging, but its role in inguinal hernias is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the causal relationship between gut microbiota and inguinal hernia risk.
• To explore potential therapeutic targets within the gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Two-sample, bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.
• Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for gut microbiota and inguinal hernia.
• Employed various statistical methods including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) and MR Egger regression.

Main Results:

• Identified 8 bacterial traits with a negative causal effect on inguinal hernia.
• Reverse Mendelian randomization showed 6 bacterial traits positively correlated with inguinal hernia.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the findings, with no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

Conclusions:

• Specific gut bacteria negatively impact inguinal hernia risk, while others are positively associated.
• Modulating gut microbiota composition may offer a novel strategy for managing inguinal hernias.
• Findings suggest a significant role for the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of inguinal hernia.