Causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori antibodies and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A mendelian study

Abstract

Background Observational studies have indicated that both Helicobacter pylori infection and the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the exact association between Helicobacter pylori antibodies and the occurrence of GERD remains largely unresolved. Therefore, this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to investigate the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and GERD. Methods This study encompassed seven different specific protein antibodies targeting Helicobacter pylori and utilized a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on GERD. MR analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori antibodies and the development of GERD. Results Genetically predicted serum levels of Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies were positively associated with an increased risk of GERD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.003, P = 0.043). No causal relationship was found between other Helicobacter pylori antibodies and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conclusion The outcomes derived from our two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis demonstrate a discernible link between the levels of Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies and an augmented susceptibility to GERD. However, it is imperative to expand the sample size further in order to corroborate the correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and GERD.