Plasma proteins mediate the effects of the gut microbiota on the development of head and neck cancer: a two-sample and mediated Mendelian randomized study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although previous observational studies have highlighted a possible association between the gut microbiota (GM) and head and neck cancer (HNC), the causal relationships remain unclear, particularly regarding the role of plasma proteins as potential mediators. Clarifying these connections is essential for uncovering the underlying mechanisms of HNC progression and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Materials and methods

First, we examined the causal link between the GM and HNC via a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. We then investigated the causative relationships between plasma proteins and HNC via the same two-sample MR technique. The coefficient product approach was then used to clarify the role of plasma proteins in the causative pathway be

SUBMITTER: Rao JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11839960 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature