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Influence of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Histamine Receptor 2 Antagonists on Blastocystis ST3 and Selected
Małgorzata Lepczyńska1, Ewa Dzika1, WenChieh Chen2
1Department of Medical Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Żołnierska, Poland.
Introduction:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor 2 (H2) antagonists are commonly prescribed medications. Association between PPIs and alteration of the gut microbiota has been reported. Blastocystis, the most common intestinal protozoan worldwide, occurs in both healthy and symptomatic people with gastrointestinal or cutaneous disorders, with controversial pathogenicity. The current study was aimed to investigate the influence of PPIs and H2 blockers on the in vitro proliferation of selected intestinal bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Methods:
Cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Candida albicans, and Blastocystis subtype 3 were treated with different concentrations of respective medications in vitro, and the numbers of microorganisms were quantified and compared.
Results:
Pantoprazole and esomeprazole exerted a significant inhibition on Blastocystis and C. albicans, especially at higher concentrations, which were even more effective than metronidazole. On the other hand, treatment with pantoprazole caused an increase in proliferation of L. rhamnosus and E. coli. There was no influence of H2 blockers on the examined microorganisms.
Discussion:
PPIs, such as pantoprazole, can be a potential treatment in the prophylaxis or eradication of Blastocystis and C. albicans.
Insights
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) significantly inhibited Blastocystis and Candida albicans in vitro. PPIs may offer a new treatment strategy for these common infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 antagonists are widely used medications.
- PPIs have been linked to alterations in gut microbiota.
- Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan with debated pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of PPIs and H2 blockers on the proliferation of key intestinal microorganisms.
- To assess the potential of PPIs as a therapeutic agent against Blastocystis and Candida albicans.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Candida albicans, and Blastocystis subtype 3 were exposed to varying concentrations of PPIs and H2 blockers.
- Microbial proliferation was quantified and compared against control groups.
Main Results:
- Pantoprazole and esomeprazole demonstrated significant inhibition of Blastocystis and Candida albicans growth, surpassing metronidazole at higher doses.
- Pantoprazole treatment led to increased proliferation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Escherichia coli.
- H2 blockers showed no significant impact on the tested microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- PPIs, specifically pantoprazole, show potential as a treatment for Blastocystis and Candida albicans infections.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applications of PPIs in managing these conditions.
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