Causal links between gut microbiota and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Numerous observational studies have identified a link between gut microbiota and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but causal links remained to be explored. In this study, researchers used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to investigate possible causal relationships. Analyses suggested protective roles against the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease for the Clostridiales family, the Lachnospiraceae genus, the Methanobrevibacter genus and the Actinobacteria phylum. Conversely, Mollicutes, the Anaerostipes genus and Phylum Tenericutes were potential risk factors for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is causally associated with dysbiosis in 13 distinct classes of gut microbiota.