Unraveling shared and unique genetic causal relationship between gut microbiota and four types of uterine-related diseases: Bidirectional Mendelian inheritance approaches to dissect the "Gut-Uterus Axis"

Background

The gut microbiota has emerged as a pivotal factor in the etiology of uterine-related diseases. This study aims to elucidate the genetic causal link between gut microbiota composition and these conditions, focusing on the systemic impact and uterine pathology to better understand the "Gut-Uterus Axis."

Methods

We utilized pooled data from two different GWAS databases, including data from 209 gut microbiota traits and data from four uterus-related diseases. Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approaches, incorporating Bayesian weighting and traditional inverse variance weighting (IVW) methods, were employed to explore causal relationships. The robustness of findings was ensured through sensitivity analyses, outlier testing, and MR-PRESSO analysis.

Results

Seventeen significant associations were identified between gut microbiota traits and uterine-related diseases, suggesting potential causal links. These associations were consistent across sensitivity analyses, affirming the reliability of our results. Conversely, reverse MR analyses did not reveal statistically significant associations between uterine diseases and bacterial traits, indicating a unidirectional influence of gut microbiota on uterine health. These findings highlight the complex interplay within the "Gut-Uterus Axis."

Conclusion

This research establishes a causal relationship between gut microbiota and uterine diseases, advocating for targeted interventions to mitigate associated risks. It underscores the interconnectedness of gut and reproductive health, promoting a holistic approach to management and treatment within the "Gut-Uterus Axis".