On four non -antibiotic drugs linked to an intestinal flora imbalance | Intestinal microbiome

If we have known for a long time that antibiotics can harm the intestinal flora. Moreover, researchers have discovered that apparently harmless drugs, such as pills against allergies, antidepressants and hormonal treatments, could also represent a threat to protective bacteria that keep dangerous pathogens at a distance.

“This can be dangerous for fragile. Similarly, elderly people,” said Lisa Maier, the main author of the study, in a press release.

An “absolutely unexpected” scale

The study. Moreover, published recently in the journal Naturerevealed that 28 % of the 53 non-antibiotic drugs tested favored the growth of harmful pathogens such as salmonella in laboratory models, potentially leaving millions of patients vulnerable to serious intestinal infections.

“The extent of the phenomenon was absolutely unexpected,” said Lisa Maier. Therefore, “Many of these non-antibiotic drugs inhibit useful intestinal bacteria. Nevertheless, while pathogenic microbes such as salmonella typhimurium are four non -antibiotic drugs linked insensitive to it,” she added. However, “The result is an imbalance in the microbiome, which gives an advantage to the pathogens”.

Although the researchers did not specify all the drugs tested. In addition, they put forward worrying results concerning largely prescribed drugs, in particular clomifen (a treatment against infertility), simvastatin (a statine), floxuridine (a chemotherapy medication) and an antihistamine – all were associated with an increase in the risk of infection. Meanwhile, Terfenadine antihistamine has been particularly underlined by researchers as a non -antibiotic drug weakening natural resistance to infections. Similarly, resulting in faster development of the disease and increased inflammation caused by Salmonella in mice.

Very commonly prescribed antacids, such as PEPCID and Prilosec, can also increase susceptibility to intestinal infections, noted Dr. For example, David Purow, gastroenterologist, not involved in the study. Meanwhile, He explains that this is due to a reduction in gastric four non -antibiotic drugs linked acidity. which promotes an environment conducive to the survival and proliferation of harmful bacteria.

Beneficial bacteria against harmful bacteria

Researchers have found that pathogenic bacteria like Shigella Flexneri et They exhibited chill – Responsible for diseases such as typhoid fever. diarrhea or urinary tract infections – were more resistant to certain drugs than beneficial intestinal bacteria. The team puts forward the hypothesis that these drugs could promote the growth of pathogens by inhibiting. disturbing beneficial microbes.

For example, simvastatin, floxuridine and chlorpromazine antipsychotic stimulated the growth of Shigella Flexneri et They exhibited chill at certain concentrations. ZAFIFIRLUKAST. an asthma medication, has distinguished itself from most of the others because it inhibits the growth of Shigella Flexneri while promoting that of They exhibited chill.

“Even if the usefulness of four non -antibiotic drugs linked these drugs is not to be questioned. certain supposedly not very harmful drugs can, so to speak, to collapse the microbial firewall of the intestine,” said Lisa Maier.

This study is added to research. also published in Naturewhich had revealed that 24 % of non-antibiotic drugs tested, including antivirals, antipsychotics, antacids, chemotherapy drugs and hypertension drugs, inhibit the growth of at least one strain of intestinal bacteria commonly found in healthy people.

Certain drugs could interfere with normal interactions between bacteria. either by blocking access to nutrients for harmful microbes, or by disturbing the capacity of beneficial bacteria to maintain pathogens under control.

These discoveries indicate that certain non-antibiotic drugs could weaken intestine defense mechanisms. making people more sensitive to intestinal infections, especially within certain groups of patients.

“The elderly. individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases, immunocompromised patients and those with history of recurring use of antibiotics already have reduced microbial four non -antibiotic drugs linked diversity, which makes them more vulnerable to new disturbances,” said Dr. Ruvini Wijetilaka, medical medicine certified in Mecca Health, who did not participate in the study.

Probiotic treatment could help

Experts insist that patients should not stop taking the drugs they need. There are “targeted therapies” that could help restore the health of the microbiome, noted Dr. purow.

“Whether we use prebiotics. probiotics, [ils] Can be beneficial, “he said, while stressing that optimal treatments can vary from person to person, because the composition of the healthy intestinal flora differs according to individuals.

The researchers also stressed that the study presented several limits. It was carried out from laboratory experiences. outside the human body, which does not fully reflect the complexity of the human intestinal environment. In addition. the specific drugs tested and the bacterial communities used in the study may not represent all the diversity encountered in real four non -antibiotic drugs linked situations.

“Studies on animals. in vitro are precious to identify potential mechanisms, but their transposition to humans is complex,” said Dr. Wijetilaka. “The human microbiome is much more diversified. variable than that of laboratory animals, and it is influenced by many factors linked to lifestyle and the environment. »»