Potential of gut microbiota metabolites in treating COPD: network pharmacology and Mendelian randomization approaches

Abstract

Objective: The gut microbiota and its metabolites exert a significant influence on COPD, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We aim to holistically evaluate the role and mechanisms of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in COPD through network pharmacology and Mendelian randomization approaches.

Methods: Employing network pharmacology, we identified the gut microbiota and its metabolites' impact on COPD-related targets, elucidating the complex network mechanisms involving the gut microbiota, its metabolites, targets, and signaling pathways in relation to COPD. Further, promising gut microbiota metabolites and microbiota were pinpointed, with their causal relationships inferred through Mendelian randomization.

Results: A complex biological network was constructed, comprising 39 gut microbiota, 20 signaling pathways, 19 targets, and 23 metabolites associated with COPD. Phenylacetylglutamine emerged as a potentially promising metabolite for COPD treatment, with Mendelian randomization analysis revealing a causal relationship with COPD.

Conclusion: This study illuminates the intricate associations between the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and COPD. Phenylacetylglutamine may represent a novel avenue for COPD treatment. These findings could aid in identifying individuals at high risk for COPD, offering insights into early prevention and treatment strategies.

Keywords: COPD; MR; Phenylacetylglutamine; biological network; network pharmacology.