Assessment of causal associations among gut microbes,plasma metabolites and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: A collection of interstitial lung disorders, particularly in elderly individuals, with an uncertain cause is known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A growing body of research indicates that the causes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may include the multifaceted interaction of gut microbes and plasma metabolites. However,uncertainty exists regarding the causative link between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, plasma metabolites, and gut microbes. METHODS:Based on GWAS database,two-sample MR analysis was used to identify gut microbes and plasma metabolites that influence the risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sensitivity analysis was used in order to assess the robustness of the results. At last, reverse MR was employed to explore reverse causation. RESULTS:The development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be influenced genetically by nine different gut microbes (family.Bacteroidaceae, genus.Bacteroides, genus.Senegalimassilia, etc.) and thirteen different plasma metabolites (glucose, 2-aminobutyrat, aspartylphenylalanine, etc.). Additionally, changes in 10 plasma metabolites and 9 gut microbes may result from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSION:We have established a causal association between gut microbes, plasma metabolites, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for the first time with this research. Our research contributes to advancing both clinical therapies and public health strategies that will effectively reduce the incidence and social burden of IPF.