Affiliation:
1. School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou People's Republic of China
2. Department of Dermatology Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou People's Republic of China
3. Graduate School, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou People's Republic of China
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundWhile observational studies have suggested a link between gut microbiota diversity and alopecia areata (AA), the causal relationship remains unclear.MethodsWe leveraged data from the MiBioGen and FinnGen consortiums' Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) encompassing gut microbiota (n = 13,266) and AA (n = 211,428) datasets. A comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) and reverse MR approach were employed, utilizing five statistical methods to evaluate causality. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to corroborate the MR results.ResultsInverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis indicated a protective effect against AA from Butyricimonas (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18–0.77, P = 0.01), Enterorhabdus (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.95, P = 0.04), Eubacterium (xylanophilum group) (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.84, P = 0.02), and Phascolarctobacterium (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.91, P = 0.03), while Ruminococcaceae UCG003 posed as a risk factor (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.27–6.14, P = 0.01). Reverse MR showed no significant causal link between AA and gut microbiota, with no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionsOur analysis suggests probable causality between certain gut microbiota and AA, shedding light on its pathogenesis and potential intervention strategies.
Funder
Major Scientific and Technological Project of Zhejiang Province
State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China