Proton Pump Inhibitors Accelerate Endothelial Senescence.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for gastroesophageal reflux disease and are available for long-term unsupervised use.
• Emerging evidence links PPI use to increased cardiovascular, renal, and neurological morbidity.
• The long-term vascular effects of PPIs remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on endothelial dysfunction and senescence.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PPI-induced vascular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Chronic exposure of endothelial cells to PPIs.
• Assessment of endothelial function.
• Evaluation of endothelial senescence markers, including telomere length.

Main Results:

• Chronic PPI exposure significantly impaired endothelial function.
• PPIs accelerated human endothelial senescence.
• Telomere length reduction was identified as a key mechanism in PPI-induced endothelial senescence.

Conclusions:

• Proton pump inhibitors can induce endothelial dysfunction and accelerate senescence.
• Telomere shortening is a potential mechanism for PPI-associated vascular damage.
• Findings may unify explanations for the observed association between PPI use and increased risks of cardiovascular, renal, and neurological morbidity and mortality.