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Exploring the Causal Association Between Oral Microbiome Abundance and Asthma Risk Using Two-Sample Mendelian
Huagui Han1, Lingwen Zhang2, Yawei Wu2
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|September 16, 2025
Summary
This study explored the link between oral bacteria and asthma risk. Increased abundance of the oral bacterium Rothia was associated with higher asthma risk, suggesting a causal connection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome Research
- Genetics
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Asthma pathogenesis is influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Emerging evidence suggests the oral microbiome may play a role in asthma development.
- This study investigates the causal association between oral microbiome and asthma risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the causal association between oral microbiome abundance and asthma risk.
- To utilize a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach for robust analysis.
- To identify specific oral bacteria linked to asthma susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
- Utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from 56,167 asthma cases and 408,442 controls.
- Selected 267 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with salivary microbiota as instrumental variables (IVs).
Main Results:
- Identified a significant positive association between increased abundance of Genus Rothia and asthma risk (OR=1.03).
- Observed a negative correlation between an unspecified Streptococcus species and asthma risk (OR=0.97).
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings, showing no significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Suggests a potential causal relationship between specific oral microbiota and asthma risk.
- Highlights the oral microbiome as a significant factor in asthma pathogenesis.
- Provides a foundation for further research into oral microbiome-targeted asthma interventions.
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