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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Esophageal Cancer | Research

Investigating the causal role of the gut microbiota in esophageal cancer and its subtypes: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Authors: Jia Li, Xuedi Gao, Xiaoming Sun, Hao Li, Jiaheng Wei, Lin Lv, Liangming Zhu

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Through research on the gut microbiota (GM), increasing evidence has indicated that the GM is associated with esophageal cancer (ESCA). However, the specific cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to investigate the causal relationship between the GM and ESCA, including its subtypes.

Methods

We collected information on 211 GMs and acquired data on ESCA and its subtypes through genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The causal relationship was primarily assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Additionally, we applied the weighted median estimator (WME) method, MR–Egger method, weighted mode, and simple mode to provide further assistance. Subsequent to these analyses, sensitivity analysis was conducted using the MR–Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out method.

Result

Following our assessment using five methods and sensitivity analysis, we identified seven GMs with potential causal relationships with ESCA and its subtypes. At the genus level, Veillonella and Coprobacter were positively correlated with ESCA, whereas Prevotella9, Eubacterium oxidoreducens group, and Turicibacter were negatively correlated with ESCA. In the case of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), Flavonifractor exhibited a positive correlation, while Actinomyces exhibited a negative correlation.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the potential causal relationship between GM and ESCA and its subtypes, offering novel insights for the advancement of ESCA diagnosis and treatment.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Investigating the causal role of the gut microbiota in esophageal cancer and its subtypes: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors
Jia Li
Xuedi Gao
Xiaoming Sun
Hao Li
Jiaheng Wei
Lin Lv
Liangming Zhu
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-12205-w

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