Causal effects of gut microbiota on erectile dysfunction: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
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Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
The study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal effects of gut microbiota on the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). It analyzed the associations between specific gut microbiota and ED using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data.
Who was studied?
The study analyzed genetic and microbiota data from large cohorts, including 18,340 individuals from the MiBioGen study for gut microbiota data and 223,805 participants (6,175 ED cases and 217,630 controls) from a GWAS meta-analysis of European ancestry for ED.
What were the most important findings?
Significant findings indicated that specific gut microbiota such as Lachnospiraceae, Senegalimassilia, and Oscillibacter are associated with an increased risk of ED, while Ruminococcaceae UCG013 may have a protective effect against ED. The MR analysis confirmed these associations as causal.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study provides evidence of a causal link between gut microbiota and ED, suggesting that interventions targeting gut microbiota could be potential strategies for preventing and treating ED. It underscores the importance of further research into the gut microbiota’s role in ED and potentially other related health conditions.