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Effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen, on faecal microbial flora
R Peltonen1, P Toivanen, E Eerola
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Turku University, Finland.
Abstract:
Faecal Clostridium perfringens counts have been observed to be elevated in RA patients. The use of NSAIDs has been suggested as being responsible for this increase. To clarify the potential of NSAIDs to change faecal flora, 10 male volunteers were given naproxen 500 mg twice daily for 2 weeks in a randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind study, and 10 other volunteers were given a placebo in tablets of identical appearance. Stool samples were collected and subjected to direct stool sample gas-liquid chromatography of bacterial fatty acids. The method has proved to be practical and sensitive in detecting overall changes in faecal flora. The samples were also cultured for Cl. perfringens. No significant change of faecal flora was observed by either method. The results show that naproxen given in doses and over a period in excess of the levels reported to increase intestinal permeability, does not change intestinal flora.
Insights
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen did not alter gut bacteria in a study of healthy volunteers. This research investigated the impact of NSAIDs on fecal flora, finding no significant changes in bacterial composition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elevated fecal Clostridium perfringens counts are noted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are hypothesized to contribute to these changes in gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of naproxen, an NSAID, on fecal flora composition.
- To determine if NSAID use alters the gut microbiota in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 20 male volunteers.
- Participants received either naproxen (500 mg twice daily for 2 weeks) or a placebo.
- Fecal samples were analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography of bacterial fatty acids and Clostridium perfringens culturing.
Main Results:
- No significant alterations in overall fecal flora were detected by gas-liquid chromatography.
- Clostridium perfringens counts remained unchanged in the naproxen group compared to placebo.
- Naproxen, even at doses exceeding those known to increase intestinal permeability, did not modify the intestinal flora.
Conclusions:
- Naproxen administration did not significantly change the fecal flora in healthy male volunteers.
- The study suggests that NSAIDs may not be the primary cause of elevated Clostridium perfringens in RA patients.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between NSAIDs, gut microbiota, and inflammatory conditions.