Features of the Gut Microbiome Correlating with Osteoporosis Risk
The composition of the gut microbiome both changes with age and appears influential on the trajectory of aging. A microbiome with more inflammatory microbes and fewer beneficial microbes is harmful over the long term. Now that researchers can cheaply and accurately measure the relative abundance of microbial species present in the gut, they can ask questions about how exactly specific microbes are slowing or accelerating the onset and progression of specific age-related conditions. Here is an example of this sort of work applied to osteoporosis, the loss of bone density that occurs with age.
Osteoporosis (OP) constitutes a notable public health concern that significantly impacts the skeletal health of the global aging population. Its prevalence is steadily escalating, yet the intricacies of its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Recent investigations have illuminated a profound interlink between gut microbiota (GM) and bone metabolism, thereby opening new avenues for probing the causal relationship between GM and OP.
Employing Mendelian randomization (MR) as the investigative tool, this study delves into the causal rapport between 211 varieties of GM and OP. The data are culled from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted by the MiBioGen consortium, in tandem with OP genetic data gleaned from the UK Biobank, BioBank Japan Project, and the FinnGen database.
The discernment emerged that the genus Coprococcus3 is inversely associated with OP, potentially serving as a deterrent against its onset. Additionally, 21 other gut microbial species exhibited a positive correlation with OP, potentially accentuating its proclivity and progression. Subsequent to rigorous scrutiny via heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses, these findings corroborate the causal nexus between GM and OP. Facilitated by MR, this study successfully elucidates the causal underpinning binding GM and OP, thereby endowing invaluable insights for deeper exploration into the pivotal role of GM in the pathogenesis of OP.