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Published on: February 28, 2018
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and lung squamous cell carcinoma: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian
Weijian Song1, Jianwei Shi1, Minjun Du1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing 100021, People's Republic of China.
Specific gut bacteria like Butyricicoccus and Coprobacter may protect against lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), while Victivallis and Ruminococcus may increase risk. This study explores the gut-lung axis in lung cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and cancer, but causal relationships with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are unclear.
- Observational studies face limitations in determining causality due to confounding factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach.
Main Methods:
- Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data.
- Instrumental variables for gut microbiota from 18,340 participants and LUSC data from 29,266 cases and 56,450 controls.
- Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, adjusted for multiple comparisons, with replication in an independent dataset.
Main Results:
- Butyricicoccus and Coprobacter showed a protective effect against LUSC (OR < 1, P < .05).
- Victivallis and Ruminococcus were associated with an increased risk of LUSC (OR > 1, P < .05).
- Replication analysis confirmed associations for Ruminococcus and Coprobacter; no significant pleiotropy or reverse causality was detected.
Conclusions:
- This study provides genetic evidence for a causal link between specific gut bacteria and LUSC risk.
- Findings highlight the gut-lung axis and suggest microbial targets for LUSC prevention and treatment.
- Results may influence future cancer prevention strategies, clinical practices, and public health policies.
