Examining the link between gut microbiota and periodontitis in East Asians using Mendelian randomization

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the possible connection between periodontitis and gut microbiota in East Asians, a relationship that has been largely unexplored until now. Methods: Using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we performed Mendelian randomization (MR). We analyzed GWAS summary statistics to assess if gut microbiota could causally influence periodontitis risk. We applied methods such as MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighting, and simple MR, and conducted sensitivity analyses to confirm our findings. Results: Utilizing the Inverse-Variance Weighted approach, we identified potential causal relationships between 17 host-genetically influenced gut microbiota characteristics and periodontitis, including Granulicatella adiacens, Bilophila wadsworthia, and Thermosinus. Specifically, G. adiacens was linked to an increased risk of periodontitis (odds ratios [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02−1.15, p = 0.0004), while B. wadsworthia was linked to a decreased likelihood of tooth loss (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96−0.99, p = 0.0005). No evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity was observed across sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: This study reveals a causal relationship between specific microorganisms and periodontitis in the Asian population, shedding light on the influence of gut microbiota on periodontitis.