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Bidirectional Mendelian randomization study on the association between gut microbiota and atrial fibrillation
Zhen Chen1,2,3, Zongxiang Lin1,2,3, Pengfei Chen1,3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, Fujian, China.
Medicine
|July 18, 2026
Summary
This study reveals a two-way relationship between gut bacteria and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Certain gut microbes, like Coprococcus, may increase AF risk, while others, such as Holdemania, may decrease it.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Microbiome Research
- Genetics
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia with significant cardiovascular implications.
- The gut microbiota's role in cardiovascular diseases is increasingly recognized, but its specific link to AF requires elucidation.
- The "gut-heart" axis hypothesis needs validation in the context of AF etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional association between gut microbial profiles and the risk of developing AF.
- To explore potential causal pathways linking the gut microbiota to AF through genetic analysis.
- To validate the gut-heart axis in relation to atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
- Employed genetic summary statistics from the MiBioGen consortium (gut microbiota) and the FinnGen cohort (AF).
- Performed Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR as the primary method, supplemented by sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- Forward MR identified 12 bacterial taxa associated with AF risk, including positive associations with Coprococcus and inverse associations with Holdemania and Alphaproteobacteria.
- Reverse MR indicated that AF diagnosis was linked to the abundance of 17 bacterial genera, such as Coprococcus, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Erysipelotrichia.
- Demonstrated a bidirectional association between Coprococcus and Lachnospiraceae with AF, suggesting a mutual causality.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for a potential mutually causal relationship between the gut microbiota and the risk of atrial fibrillation.
- Findings suggest that gut microbial composition may play a role in the pathophysiology and development of AF.
- These insights open avenues for future research into therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota for AF prevention or management.
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