Dietary Prebiotics Modulate Omeprazole-Induced Alterations in the Gut Microbial Signature

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed for acid-related disorders.
• Prolonged or improper use of PPIs can lead to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
• Dietary interventions are being explored to counteract PPI-induced gut alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if blueberries and strawberries can reverse omeprazole-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
• To determine the effects of berry supplementation on gut microbial ecology and inflammatory markers.
• To explore the potential of berries as a nutritional strategy against PPI-induced gut issues.

Main Methods:

• Male C57BL/6J mice were fed diets with or without omeprazole, blueberries, or strawberries for 12 weeks.
• Metabolic parameters, gut microbial composition (cecum and colon), and inflammatory markers were analyzed.
• Nutritional dosages of berries (3.7% blueberry, 2.35% strawberry) were used.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in metabolic parameters were observed with omeprazole or berry supplementation.
• Both blueberry and strawberry supplementation improved gut microbial ecology altered by omeprazole.
• Strawberry supplementation notably reduced omeprazole-induced gut inflammation.
• Specific bacterial genera showed associations with inflammatory markers, indicating microbiome modulation by berries.

Conclusions:

• Dietary blueberries and strawberries can ameliorate PPI-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
• Berries modulate gut microbes, potentially reducing inflammatory signaling.
• These findings suggest berries as a viable nutritional approach to manage PPI-related gut disturbances.