The influence of proton pump inhibitors and other commonly used medication on the gut microbiota

• Published in: Gut microbes 2017-07, Vol.8 (4), p.351-358
• Main Authors: Imhann, Floris, Vich Vila, Arnau, Bonder, Marc Jan, Lopez Manosalva, Ailine G., Koonen, Debby P.Y., Fu, Jingyuan, Wijmenga, Cisca, Zhernakova, Alexandra, Weersma, Rinse K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Addendum; Animals; Bacteria - classification; Bacteria - drug effects; Bacteria - genetics; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Gastroesophageal Reflux - drug therapy; Gastroesophageal Reflux - microbiology; Gastrointestinal Microbiome - drug effects; gut microbiota; Humans; medication; proton pump inhibitors; Proton Pump Inhibitors - pharmacology
• ISSN: 1949-0976; 1949-0984
• DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1284732

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), used to treat gastro-esophageal reflux and prevent gastric ulcers, are among the most widely used drugs in the world. The use of PPIs is associated with an increased risk of enteric infections. Since the gut microbiota can, depending on composition, increase or decrease the risk of enteric infections, we investigated the effect of PPI-use on the gut microbiota. We discovered profound differences in the gut microbiota of PPI users: 20% of their bacterial taxa were statistically significantly altered compared with those of non-users. Moreover, we found that it is not only PPIs, but also antibiotics, antidepressants, statins and other commonly used medication were associated with distinct gut microbiota signatures. As a consequence, commonly used medications could affect how the gut microbiota resist enteric infections, promote or ameliorate gut inflammation, or change the host's metabolism. More studies are clearly needed to understand the role of commonly used medication in altering the gut microbiota as well as the subsequent health consequences.