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Abstract

Introduction

The intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and myopia is increasingly recognized, underscoring the need to explore its causal dynamics. Despite emerging evidence, the influence of Gut Microbiota (GM) on ocular development remains underexplored.

Methods

This study utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) to investigate the causal impact of GM on the development of myopia. Instrumental variables (IVs) were identified from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), focusing on genetic variants significantly associated with microbiome composition. A comprehensive array of MR techniques was applied to ensure a robust estimation of causal effects and to adjust for potential confounders and pleiotropy.

Results

The Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) method was used to identify significant associations between GM and myopia. Increased risk of myopia was linked to the class (OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.004-1.017, =0.003), the order (OR=1.009, 95% CI 1.001-1.016, =0.02), the family (OR=1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.01, =0.023), and several genera including (OR=1.007, 95% CI 1.001-1.013, =0.033), and (OR=1.005, 95% CI 1-1.01, =0.038). Protective effects were noted for the order (OR=0.994, 95% CI 0.99-0.999, =0.014), the genus (OR=0.996, 95% CI 0.993-0.999, =0.019), the genus (OR=0.994, 95% CI 0.989-1, =0.045), and the family (OR=0.991, 95% CI 0.982-1, =0.047) and order (OR=0.991, 95% CI 0.982-1, =0.047). Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the robustness of these findings.

Discussion

This study provides causal evidence for the “Microbiome-Gut-Eye Axis” in myopia development, identifying specific gut microbiota that influence myopia risk. These findings suggest potential for microbiota-targeted interventions, warranting further research in diverse populations.

Conclusions

The findings support the “Microbiome-Gut-Eye Axis” as a potential factor in myopia pathogenesis and highlight microbiota-targeted interventions as novel therapeutic strategies for managing myopia. This study lays the groundwork for further research on how modifying GM can influence eye health and offers new perspectives on preventive health strategies.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Science Publishers.
This is an open access article published under CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
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2025-04-29
2025-10-31

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Deciphering the Microbiome-Gut-Eye Axis: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis of the Causal Influence of Gut Microbiota on Myopia
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073385717250415110224
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073385717250415110224
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073385717250415110224
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: GWAS ; mendelian randomization ; microbiome-gut-eye axis ; ocular health ; Myopia ; gut microbiota

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