Health Citizens – European Research Institute

Tag: GWAS

  • Genetic correlation, pleiotropic loci and shared risk genes between major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal tract disorders

    Genetic correlation, pleiotropic loci and shared risk genes between major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal tract disorders

    Although depression is often linked to digestive disorders, the biological connection behind this phenomenon has remained unclear.

    A recent genome-wide association study analyzed genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people to explore potential links between major depressive disorder (MDD) and gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcers (mainly caused by H. pylori infection), acid reflux, irritable bowel disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

    The researchers found that depression shares genetic risk factors with most digestive disorders, meaning that some of the same genes and genetic regions influence both mental and gut health. The study also suggested that genetic susceptibility to certain gut conditions may increase the risk of depression, once again highlighting the strong gut-brain connection.

    These findings could help scientists better understand the gut-brain connection and may point to new ways to treat gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with depression.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.01.048

    Reference

    Zhou, S., Zi, J., Hu, Y., Wang, X., Cheng, G., & Xiong, J. (2025). Genetic correlation, pleiotropic loci and shared risk genes between major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Journal of affective disorders, 374, 84–90.

  • GWAS of peptic ulcer disease implicates Helicobacter pylori infection, other gastrointestinal disorders and depression

    GWAS of peptic ulcer disease implicates Helicobacter pylori infection, other gastrointestinal disorders and depression

    A study of over 450,000 people in the UK Biobank identified 8 independent genes that affect stomach acid, gut movement, and the body’s response to infection, including susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection.

    The study also explored connections between these gut conditions and depression, which often occurs alongside digestive problems, providing new insights into the complex interplay between gut health and mental well-being.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21280-7

    Reference

    Wu, Y., Murray, G.K., Byrne, E.M. et al. GWAS of peptic ulcer disease implicates Helicobacter pylori infection, other gastrointestinal disorders and depression. Nat Commun 12, 1146 (2021)