HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Some widely used drugs alter the microbial population within the gut, and a few increase the chance of antibiotic resistance, a latest Dutch study shows.
The gut microbiome includes no less than 1,000 species of bacteria and is influenced by plenty of various factors, including medications. Research suggests that changes within the gut microbiome are related to obesity, diabetes, liver disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
“We already know that the efficacy and toxicity of certain drugs are influenced by the bacterial composition of the gastrointestinal tract and that the gut microbiota is associated with numerous health conditions. It is therefore crucial to understand the consequences of taking drugs on the gut microbiome,” said lead researcher Arnau Vich Vila from the University Medical Center Groningen.
In this study, researchers checked out 41 commonly used medication categories and evaluated 1,883 stool samples from people taking the medications and from non-people, including some with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Eighteen of the drug categories had significant effects on the gut microbiome and eight increased the chance of antimicrobial resistance.
The categories with the best impact on the microbiome were:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment of indigestion, stomach ulcers, H. pylori Eradication, gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus.
- Metformin, used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
- Laxative for the treatment and prevention of constipation.
The gut microbiomes of PPI users had higher levels of upper gastrointestinal bacteria and increased fatty acid production, and metformin users had higher levels of doubtless harmful E. coli Bacteria.
According to the researchers, seven other drug categories were related to significant changes in bacterial populations within the gut.
For example, taking SSRI antidepressants in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome was related to increased levels of doubtless harmful bacterial species. Eubacterium ramulus.
Meanwhile, oral steroid use has been linked to high levels of methanogenic bacteria, which in turn have been linked to obesity and a rise in body mass index (an estimate of body fat based on weight and height).
The study was because of be presented on Wednesday on the annual meeting of the UEG (United European Gastroenterology) in Barcelona. Such research results are considered preliminary until they're published in a peer-reviewed journal.
“Our work highlights the importance of considering the role of the gut microbiota in the development of treatments and also points to new hypotheses that could explain certain side effects associated with drug use,” Vila said in a conference press release.