# Potential Therapeutic Targets for Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) in Obese Individuals as Revealed by a Gut Microbiome Analysis: A Mendelian Randomization Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how gut bacteria might contribute to hair loss in obese individuals and identifies potential treatment targets based on bacterial pathways.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific gut microbiome pathways as potential therapeutic targets for androgenetic alopecia in obese individuals using Mendelian randomization.

## Key findings

- The sulfoglycolysis pathway in gut bacteria increases the risk of both obesity and AGA.
- The de novo biosynthesis of adenosine ribonucleotide pathway increases obesity risk but decreases AGA risk.
- These bacterial pathways are proposed as potential therapeutic targets for managing obesity-related AGA.

## Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) among obese individuals using Mendelian randomization (MR), and to identify potential therapeutic targets for mitigating AGA in this population. Methods: Genomic data for 412 gut microbiomes, AGA, and obesity were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Bidirectional MR was performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary analysis method, complemented by sensitivity analyses. Potential therapeutic targets within the gut microbiome associated with AGA in obese individuals were identified. Results: Two gut microbiomes were identified as having a significant impact on obese individuals with AGA. Specifically, the abundance of the sulfoglycolysis pathway in gut bacteria was found to significantly increase the risk of both obesity and AGA. In contrast, the abundance of the de novo biosynthesis of the adenosine ribonucleotide pathway in gut bacteria was associated with a significant increase in the risk of obesity but a significant decrease in the risk of AGA. Conclusions: The abundance of gut bacterial pathways, including sulfoglycolysis and the de novo biosynthesis of adenosine ribonucleotides, can serve as potential therapeutic targets for managing obesity-associated AGA. These findings offer a novel research direction for the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with obesity and AGA.