Causal relationship between gut microbiota and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a genetic correlation and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327503
• Publication Date: 2024-02-21T05:14:00Z
• Authors: Kui Wang; Suijian Wang; Yuhua Chen; Xinchen Lu; Danshu Wang; Yao Zhang; Wei Pan; Chunhua Zhou; Duowu Zou
• Keywords: Mendelian Randomization; Genome-wide Association Study; Dysbiosis

Background Numerous observational studies have identified a linkage between the gut microbiota and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, clear causative association GERD has yet to be definitively ascertained, given presence of confounding variables. Methods The genome-wide study (GWAS) pertaining microbiome, conducted by MiBioGen consortium comprising 18,340 samples from 24 population-based cohorts, served as exposure dataset. Summary-level data for were obtained recent publicly available involving 78 707 cases 288 734 controls European descent. inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was performed primary analysis, other four methods used supporting analyses. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses encompassing Cochran’s Q statistics, MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO global test, leave-one-out methodology carried out identify potential heterogeneity horizontal pleiotropy. Ultimately, reverse MR assessment investigate causation. Results IVW method’s findings suggested protective roles against Family Clostridiales Vadin BB60 group ( P = 0.027), Genus Lachnospiraceae UCG004 (P 0.026), Methanobrevibacter Phylum Actinobacteria 0.019). In contrast, Class Mollicutes 0.037), Anaerostipes 0.049), Tenericutes 0.024) emerged risk factors. assessing causation with outcome, indicate that leads dysbiosis in 13 distinct classes. results’ reliability confirmed thorough assessments Conclusions For first time, analysis indicates genetic link abundance changes risk. This not only substantiates intestinal microecological therapy GERD, but also establishes basis advanced research into role etiology GERD.