Causal Associations between Gut Microbiota and Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Changjun Huang1, Yuhong Li2, Linwei Ma1

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, The First People's Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, 311100, Zhejiang, China.

Abstract

Insights

This study investigated the gut microbiota

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Trigeminal neuralgia is a common neurological disorder.
  • The gut microbiota's role in trigeminal neuralgia is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore potential causal links between gut microbiota composition and trigeminal neuralgia risk.
  • Utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess genetic predispositions.

Main Methods:

  • Employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
  • Utilized genetic variants from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as instrumental variables.
  • Conducted sensitivity analyses (Cochran's Q, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out) to ensure robustness.

Main Results:

  • Identified potential causal associations between trigeminal neuralgia and specific gut bacteria, including Ruminococcaceae NK4A214, Eubacterium hallii, Ruminococcus 2, Prevotella 7, and Hungatella.
  • Results indicated both protective and risk associations depending on the bacterial genus.

Conclusions:

  • Suggests a genetically influenced link between gut microbiota and trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Highlights the need for further research into the gut microbiome's contribution to trigeminal neuralgia etiology.

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