Exploring potential causal relationships between gut microbiota, inflammatory factors, and postpartum depression: a...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Gut microbiota (GM) dysregulation is linked to postpartum depression (PPD).
• Inflammatory factors (IFs) are implicated in PPD development.
• Causal relationships between GM, IFs, and PPD require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the causal effects of genetically predicted GM and IFs on PPD.
• To investigate if IFs mediate the causal effect of GM on PPD.

Main Methods:

• Two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed.
• Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was primarily used.
• Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy tests assessed robustness.

Main Results:

• Specific gut bacteria (e.g., Family XIII AD3011 group) showed positive association with PPD risk.
• Other bacteria (e.g., Clostridiales vadin BB60 group) and IFs (CCL5, CCL3) showed negative correlations with PPD risk.
• No mediating role for IFs was found.

Conclusions:

• Genetic evidence supports GM and IFs contributing to PPD pathogenesis.
• Inflammatory factors do not mediate the gut microbiota's effect on PPD.
• Findings offer insights into PPD mechanisms and potential treatments.