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Updated: May 22, 2025
Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
Published on: October 18, 2018
Causal Relationship between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Autoimmune Diseases of the Digestive System: Evidence
Shuang Zhang1, Pengyue Zhang2, Xin Hu3
1Department of Gastroenterology, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, Bengbu, China.
Introduction:
The association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and digestive autoimmune diseases remains unclear, with inconsistent findings in previous observational studies. We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to systematically explore the causal relationship and delve into the pathogenesis based on gut microbiota.
Methods:
This study encompassed anti-H. pylori IgG levels and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for multiple digestive autoimmune diseases, utilizing diverse MR methodologies to assess the causal relationship between H. pylori antibody levels and these diseases. Associations between H. pylori and ulcerative colitis (UC) were examined using genetic variants from MiBioGen associated with 194 gut microbiota traits. Additionally, a series of sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the results of the initial MR analyses.
Results:
Our study showed a significant association between anti-H. pylori IgG levels and the incidence risk of UC (β = -0.001, p = 0.011). No causal associations were observed with the incidence risk of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease (CD). Multiple gut microbiota were found to be correlated with H. pylori infection and UC. Particularly noteworthy is the negative correlation between the abundance of the genus.Anaerofilum and H. pylori antibody levels (β = -0.174, p = 0.048). Notably, genus.Anaerofilum exhibited a positive genetic correlation with an increased risk of UC (β = 0.0014, p = 0.0029).
Conclusion:
MR analysis confirmed a causal association between anti-H. pylori IgG and UC, but not with CD. The genus.Anaerofilum may increase the risk of UC by inhibiting H. pylori infection.
Insights
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a causal link between Helicobacter pylori infection and ulcerative colitis risk. The gut bacterium Anaerofilum may increase ulcerative colitis risk by inhibiting H. pylori.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Immunology
- Microbiome Research
- Genetic Epidemiology
Background:
- The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and digestive autoimmune diseases is not well-established, with conflicting results from prior observational studies.
- This study aims to clarify the causal link and explore the underlying pathogenesis involving gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal association between H. pylori infection and various digestive autoimmune diseases using Mendelian randomization.
- To explore the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of these associations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for anti-H. pylori IgG levels and multiple digestive autoimmune diseases.
- Examined associations between H. pylori and ulcerative colitis (UC) by incorporating genetic variants linked to 194 gut microbiota traits.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses to ensure the robustness of the MR findings.
Main Results:
- A significant causal association was found between anti-H. pylori IgG levels and an increased risk of ulcerative colitis (UC).
- No significant causal associations were observed for primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease.
- The gut bacterium genus Anaerofilum showed a negative correlation with H. pylori antibody levels and a positive genetic correlation with UC risk.
Conclusions:
- Mendelian randomization analysis confirms a causal relationship between H. pylori infection and ulcerative colitis.
- The gut bacterium genus Anaerofilum may contribute to UC development by suppressing H. pylori infection.
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