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Causal Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Pulmonary Embolism: An Analysis Using Mendelian Randomization
Lilan Cen1, Ling Qin1, Wanling Chen1
11Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Infectious Disease, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
Polish Journal of Microbiology
|June 22, 2025
Summary
This study used genetic analysis to find that specific gut bacteria, including Slackia and Bacteroides, may reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). This highlights the gut-lung axis connection in PE development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- An imbalanced gut microbiome (GM) is linked to lung diseases via the gut-lung axis.
- The direct relationship between GM and pulmonary embolism (PE) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between GM and PE risk using genetic data.
- To explore specific GM genera associated with PE development.
Main Methods:
- Employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GM.
- Applied inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical method, with checks for pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
- Analyzed data from the IEU Open GWAS project, including 2,118 PE cases and 359,076 controls.
Main Results:
- Identified causal associations between four GM genera and PE risk.
- Found that Slackia, Oscillospira, Bacteroides, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 may be associated with a reduced risk of PE.
- Confirmed the robustness of findings with no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy.
Conclusions:
- Genetic analysis supports a significant role for specific gut microbiome compositions in PE development.
- Reinforces the importance of the gut-lung axis in respiratory health and disease.
- Suggests potential targets for future research and therapeutic strategies related to GM and PE.
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