Exploring the causal relationship of gut microbiota in nonunion: a Mendelian randomization analysis mediated by immune cell

Background: Emerging research indicates that gut microbiota (GM) are pivotal in the regulation of immune-mediated bone diseases. Nonunion, a bone metabolic disorder, has an unclear causal relationship with GM and immune cells. This study aims to elucidate the causal relationship between GM and nonunion using Mendelian Randomization (MR) and to explore the mediating role of immune cells.

Methods: Using a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization approach, this study explores the causal link between GM and nonunion, as well as the mediating role of immune cells in this relationship. Data were sourced from multiple cohorts and consortiums, including the MiBioGen consortium. GM data were derived from a recently published dataset of 473 gut microbiota, and nonunion data were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Results: MR analysis identified 12 bacterial genera with protective effects against nonunion and seven bacterial genera associated with a higher risk of nonunion, including Agathobacter sp000434275, Aureimonas, Clostridium M, Lachnospirales, Megamonas funiformis, and Peptoccia. Reverse MR analysis indicated that nonunion does not influence GM. Additionally, MR analysis identified 12 immune cell types positively associated with nonunion and 14 immune cell types negatively associated with nonunion. Building on these findings, we conducted mediation MR analysis to identify 24 crucial GM and immune cell-mediated relationships affecting nonunion. Notably, Campylobacter D, Megamonas funiformis, Agathobacter sp000434275, Lachnospirales, Clostridium E sporosphaeroides, and Clostridium M significantly regulated nonunion through multiple immune cell characteristics.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, our research results are the first to emphasize a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and nonunion, potentially mediated by immune cells. The correlations and mediation effects identified in our study provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome, informing global action plans.