Association between gut microbiota and acute pancreatitis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Abstract

AbstractBackground and AimThe dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been reported in acute pancreatitis. However, the direction and magnitude between host microbiota and pancreas remains to be established. This study investigated the association between gut microbiota and acute pancreatitis using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.MethodsSummary statistics of gut microbiota abundance and acute pancreatitis were extracted from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). The two‐sample bidirectional MR design was employed to assess genetic association between the microbiota and pancreatitis, followed by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to verify the robustness of the results.ResultsSeven microbiota taxa have been identified as significantly associated with the development of pancreatitis. Host genetic‐driven order Bacteroidales and class Bacteroidia are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. The genera Coprococcus and Eubacterium fissicatena group also exhibit a positive effect on the development of pancreatitis, while the genera Prevotella, Ruminiclostridium, and Ruminococcaceae act as protective factors against pancreatitis. In contrast, acute pancreatitis was positively correlated with phylum Proteobacteria and genus Lachnospiraceae and negatively correlated with genus Holdemania.ConclusionsThe bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and acute pancreatitis suggests a critical role for host‐microbiota crosstalk in the development of the disease. Targeted modulation of specific gut microbiota enables the prevention and treatment of acute pancreatitis.