Identification of 1,400 metabolites as mediators of obesity in 473 gut microbiota taxa: a mediation Mendelian randomization study

This study pioneered the use of genetic approaches and mediator analyses to confirm the causal relationship between gut microbiota, metabolites, and obesity, and also explored how these factors work together to promote obesity through specific signaling pathways and protein interactions. This finding provides a theoretical basis and potential targets for precision medicine strategies against obesity, which is of great clinical significance. In addition, the identification of protective plasma proteins as biomarkers for obesity prevention opens up new avenues for tailoring obesity intervention strategies.