Causal Relationships between Gut Microbiotas, Blood Metabolites, and Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Mediated Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a rare type of cancer that can develop in different parts of the body, including the intestines, lungs, and pancreas. These tumors are often hard to detect early because they may not cause noticeable symptoms until they have spread to other parts of the body. This study aimed to better understand how certain bacteria in the gut, known as the gut microbiota, and the substances they produce, called metabolites, might influence the development of NETs. To investigate this, we used a method called Mendelian randomization, which helps to identify cause-and-effect relationships by analyzing genetic data. We looked at genetic information from large groups of people to see if there is a link between specific gut bacteria and the risk of developing NETs. We also explored whether certain metabolites produced by these bacteria might play a role in this process. Our findings suggest that some types of gut bacteria and their metabolites may either increase or decrease the risk of NETs, depending on the specific bacteria and metabolites involved. For example, some bacteria were found to protect against certain types of NETs, while others were linked to a higher risk. This research provides new insights into how gut bacteria and their products might contribute to the development of NETs and highlights potential areas for future studies aimed at preventing or treating these tumors.