Allium Vegetables Intake and Digestive System Cancer Risk: A Study Based on Mendelian Randomization, Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

TL;DR

This study investigates the causal relationship between allium vegetable intake, especially garlic, and digestive system cancer risk using Mendelian randomization, network pharmacology, and molecular docking, finding garlic may reduce gastric cancer risk.

Contribution

It provides causal evidence linking garlic intake to lower gastric cancer risk and explores underlying molecular mechanisms using advanced computational methods.

Findings

Garlic intake is causally linked to reduced gastric cancer risk.

Onion intake shows no significant association with digestive system cancers.

Molecular docking suggests potential bioactive compounds in garlic target gastric cancer pathways.

Abstract

Background: Allium vegetables (garlic and onion) are one of the flavorings in people's daily diets. Observational studies suggest that intake of allium vegetables may be correlated with a lower incidence of digestive system cancers. However, the existence of a causal relationship is still controversial due to confounding factors and reverse causation. Therefore, we explored the causal relationship between intake of allium vegetables and digestive system cancers using Mendelian randomization approach. Methods: First, we performed Mendelian randomization analyses using inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger approaches, and demonstrated the reliability of the results in the sensitivity step. Second, Multivariable Mendelian randomization was applied to adjust for smoking and alcohol consumption. Third, we explored the molecular mechanisms behind the positive results through network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Results: The study suggests that increased intake of garlic reduced gastric cancer risk. However, onion intake was not statistically associated with digestive system cancer. Conclusion: Garlic may have a protective effect against gastric cancer.