Hungary – Regularly taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may upset the balance of microorganisms in the intestine, Hungarian Semmelweis University researchers have claimed.
NSAIDs are commonly used around the world, with more than 30 million people taking them daily, according to researchers.
The study showed that taking these medications in large quantities can cause dysbiosis, that is, an imbalance in the delicate balance of bacteria in the intestine. It can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or anemia. In rare cases, it can lead to a hole in the intestinal wall or colon.
The study team noted similarities between gut microbiome imbalances associated with certain diseases and those caused by taking NSAIDs.
Dr. Zoltan Zadori, head of the gastrointestinal research group at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy at Semmelweis University, explained that diseases such as chronic arthritis affecting the spine and extremities, or rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with an imbalance in the gut microbiome and an overgrowth of certain bacteria that are in fact linked to The development and exacerbation of diseases.
He added: “We found that these imbalances are similar to those caused by NSAIDs, raising the possibility that drug-induced gut dysbiosis may exacerbate underlying diseases and limit the therapeutic effect of NSAIDs in the long term.”
“We currently hypothesize that NSAID-induced dysbiosis is the cause of conditions such as inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, changes in pH or motor activity of the intestine, or changes in bile acid composition,” Zadori said. It is also possible that the antibacterial properties of NSAIDs directly disrupt the balance of gut microbiota. “These processes are closely related, so it is difficult to determine which one precedes the other.”
An imbalance in the community of bacteria and viruses can contribute to the development of various diseases, since the intestinal microbiome plays an essential role in multiple processes in your body, such as balancing sugar and energy levels, strengthening the immune system and regulating activity in the intestinal wall, according to the researchers.
Possible resulting diseases include: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hormonal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and psychiatric diseases.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to how often to take NSAIDs while ensuring gut health, Zadori said.
Aside from using NSAIDs, a healthy diet and exercise can be important to ensure a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
While taking a daily aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes, research has shown that taking the tablets regularly can increase the risk of anemia.
It is noteworthy that the study does not recommend stopping taking the mentioned medications without consulting a specialist doctor.
The study was published in the journal Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Source: The Sun
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2024-03-29 21:37:20