Causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori and periodontal disease: Two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Periodontology

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and periodontal disease (PD).
• Causal inference is needed to establish a direct relationship, overcoming limitations of observational research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal role of H. pylori in the development of periodontal disease using Mendelian randomization (MR).
• To analyze associations between H. pylori antibodies and various forms of periodontal disease.

Main Methods:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization study utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data.
• Analysis included data from large cohorts for gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and acute periodontitis.
• Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the robustness of the findings.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant causal association was found between H. pylori UREA antibody levels and a reduced risk of acute periodontitis (OR = 0.7, p = 0.035).
• Weighted Median analysis corroborated these findings (OR = 0.61, p = 0.028).
• No causal link was identified between other H. pylori antibodies and periodontal disease; sensitivity analyses confirmed result robustness.

Conclusions:

• H. pylori UREA antibody levels act as a protective factor against acute periodontitis.
• The findings suggest a specific causal relationship, distinct from general H. pylori infection, in the context of acute periodontitis.