Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota And Androgenic Alopecia: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis

This study, involving 207,036 subjects of European descent, explores the causal relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using Mendelian randomization analysis. It identifies that increased abundance of certain bacterial taxa, such as Oxalobacteraceae and Lachnospiraceae UCG008, is associated with a reduced risk of AGA, suggesting these bacteria may serve as protective factors. Conversely, an increase in Coriobacteriaceae abundance is linked to a higher risk of AGA, indicating its potential role as a risk factor. The findings are robust, with no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy, and highlight the importance of gut health in AGA pathogenesis, suggesting potential for microbiota-targeted therapies.