Omeprazole, a specific inhibitor of H+-K+-ATPase, inhibits bone resorption in vitro

Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of the Long-Term Effects of Omeprazole on Healthy Dogs

The use of omeprazole as a preventive treatment for gastrointestinal ulcers in veterinary medicine has been questioned during previous years. The aim of the present study is to assess the long-term effect of omeprazole on cobalamin and serum gastrin levels in healthy dogs. Eighteen healthy dogs were included: 10 in the control group and 8 in the omeprazole group. Three samples were collected: before starting the treatment (T0), 30 days after the start of treatment (T1), and at 60 days (T2). The mean cobalamin value (ng/L) in the control group was 481.4 (±293.70) at T0, 481.4 (±170.21) at T1, and 513.2 (±174.50) at T2. In the omeprazole group, the values were 424.62 (±161.57) at T0, 454.5 (±160.96) at T1, and 414.87 (±127.90) at T2. No statistically significant changes were detected in cobalamin levels between the three-time period in both study groups. These results agree with previous findings in felines but contrast with human medicine studies. The median gastrin values (pg/mL) in the control group were 62.45 [30.17-218.75] at T0, 76.06 [30.67-199.87] at T1, and 63.02 [35.81-176.06] at T2. The median gastrin value in the omeprazole group was 67.59 [55.96-101.60] at T0, 191.77 [75.31-1901.77] at T1, and 128.16 [43.62-1066.46] at T2. Statistically significant differences were detected (p = 0.008), indicating an increase in gastrin levels after initiating treatment with omeprazole. In conclusion, the increased levels of gastrin observed in this population underscore the importance of conducting a comprehensive clinical assessment to identify potential gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in consideration of the usage of omeprazole as a preventive treatment.

Effects of obesity on the pharmacology of proton pump inhibitors: current understanding and future implications for patient care and research

INTRODUCTION

In the United States, obesity affects approximately ⅖ adults and ⅕ children, leading to increased risk for comorbidities, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), treated increasingly with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Currently, there are no clinical guidelines to inform PPI dose selection for obesity, with sparse data regarding whether dose augmentation is necessary.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a review of available literature regarding the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and/or metabolism of PPIs in children and adults with obesity, as a step toward informing PPI dose selection.

EXPERT OPINION

Published PK data in adults and children are limited to first-generation PPIs and point toward reduced apparent oral drug clearance in obesity, with equipoise regarding obesity impact on drug absorption. Available PD data are sparse, conflicting, and limited to adults. No studies are available to inform the PPI PK→PD relationship in obesity and if/how it differs compared to individuals without obesity. In the absence of data, best practice may be to dose PPIs based on CYP2C19 genotype and lean body weight, so as to avoid systemic overexposure and potential toxicities, while monitoring closely for efficacy.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Bone Health: An Update Narrative Review

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are an antacid drug often used in acid-related disorders. They decrease acid secretion in the stomach by blocking an enzyme called H+/K+ ATPase which controls acid production. Introduced to the market in 1989, their use has increased rapidly worldwide and they are now among the top 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States. As of 2015, the FDA has already approved six drugs of this class (omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole). Recently, the risks and benefits of long-term PPI use were questioned and many studies indicated that their use should be carefully considered, especially in young patients, whose treatment with these drugs could last many years. Even greater concerns have been raised about a potential positive association between PPIs and osteoporotic fracture risk including the hip, spine and wrist. Although based on observational studies, there is substantial evidence associating the long-term use of PPIs and fracture. This relationship is only partially admitted due to the lack of consistent effects of PPIs on bone mineral density loss. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to discuss the recent findings pertaining to the risk of osteoporotic fracture associated with PPIs, in particular prolonged use, and to call for further research to elucidate the mechanisms associated with this bone fragility.

Do proton pump inhibitors affect the biomechanical efficiency of implant?- a systematic review

Purpose

This systematic review was executed to determine the influence of proton pump inhibitors on biomechanical efficiency of dental implants.

Materials and methods

The comprehensive online literature search was conducted on digital database of Pubmed, Cochrane database and EBSCO host, Web of Science and Scopus from 2010 to 2021(Dec).The studies included in our research comprised of randomized controlled trials and animal studies. Literature review, Letter to the editor, short communication and studies not related to the dental implants were excluded. A total of 6 studies were finalized and included in the systemic review.

Result

The proton pump inhibitors have a negative influence on the bone metabolism and adversely affect the Osseointegration of the dental implants. Further they reduce the biomechanical efficiency of dental implant which ultimately results in their failure.

Conclusion

Proton pump inhibitors are a risk factor for dental implant survival. This conclusion has been drawn from the limited research available. Hence well designed prospective randomized controlled trials should be carried out on a large population including the users and non-users, to more thoroughly elucidate the effect of proton pump inhibitor on osseointegration process of dental implants.

Radiodynamic Therapy with Acridine Orange Is an Effective Treatment for Bone Metastases

Current multimodal treatment of bone metastases is partially effective and often associated with side effects, and novel therapeutic options are needed. Acridine orange is a photosensitizing molecule that accumulates in acidic compartments. After photo- or radiodynamic activation (AO-PDT or AO-RDT), acridine orange can induce lysosomal-mediated cell death, and we explored AO-RDT as an acid-targeted anticancer therapy for bone metastases. We used osteotropic carcinoma cells and human osteoclasts to assess the extracellular acidification and invasiveness of cancer cells, acridine orange uptake and lysosomal pH/stability, and the AO-RDT cytotoxicity in vitro. We then used a xenograft model of bone metastasis to compare AO-RDT to another antiacid therapeutic strategy (omeprazole). Carcinoma cells showed extracellular acidification activity and tumor-derived acidosis enhanced cancer invasiveness. Furthermore, cancer cells accumulated acridine orange more than osteoclasts and were more sensitive to lysosomal death. In vivo, omeprazole did not reduce osteolysis, whereas AO-RDT promoted cancer cell necrosis and inhibited tumor-induced bone resorption, without affecting osteoclasts. In conclusion, AO-RDT was selectively toxic only for carcinoma cells and effective to impair both tumor expansion in bone and tumor-associated osteolysis. We therefore suggest the use of AO-RDT, in combination with the standard antiresorptive therapies, to reduce disease burden in bone metastasis.

Evaluation of the effects of the systemic proton pump inhibitor-omeprazole on periimplant bone regeneration and osseointegration: An experimental study

Objective

Investigations of the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on bone healing have revealed that they affect bone regeneration negatively. The exact mechanism by which this adverse effect on bone tissue is not known. The aim of this study is to biomechanic and biochemical investigation of the effects of the PPIs on guided periimplant bone regeneration.

Material & methods

Spraque dawley rats were divided controls (n = 8): there is no treatment during 8 week experimental period, PPI- Dosage 1 (n = 8) and Dosage 2 (n = 8): 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg omeprazol applied 3 times in a week with oral gavage during 8 weeks respectfully. Bone defects created half of the implant length circumferencial after implant insertion and defects filled with bone grafts. After experimental period the rats sacrified and implants with surrounding bone tissues were removed to reverse torque analysis (Newton), blood samples collected to biochemical analysis (glucose, AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinin, calcium, P).

Results

Biomechanic reverse torque values did not revealed any statistical differences between the groups (P > 0,05).

Conclusion

According the biomechanical and biochemical parameters PPIs does not effect the periimplant guided bone regeneration.

Development of Risk Prediction Model for Grade 2 or Higher Hypocalcemia in Bone Metastasis Patients Treated with Denosumab plus Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)/Ca Supplement

Denosumab-induced hypocalcemia is sometimes severe, and although a natural vitamin D/Ca combination is used to prevent hypocalcemia, some patients rapidly develop severe hypocalcemia even under supplementation. It is clinically important to predict this risk. This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for grade 2 or higher hypocalcemia within 28 days after the first denosumab dose under natural vitamin D/Ca supplementation. Using a large database containing multicenter practice data, 2,399 bone metastasis patients who were treated with denosumab between June 2013 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Background factors in patients who developed grade 2 or higher hypocalcemia within 28 days after the first denosumab dose and those who did not were compared by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted to develop a risk prediction model. The model was evaluated for discriminant performance (ROC-AUC: receiver operating characteristic - area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity) and predictive performance (calibration slope). A total of 124 patients in the hypocalcemia group and 1,191 patients in the non-hypocalcemia group were extracted. A risk prediction model consisting of sex, Ca, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, osteoporosis, breast cancer, gastric cancer, proton pump inhibitor combination, and pretreatment with zoledronic acid was developed. The ROC-AUC was 0.87. Sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 81%, respectively, and the calibration slope indicated acceptable agreement between observed and predicted risk. This model appears to be useful to predict the risk of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia and thus should be helpful for risk management of denosumab treatment in patients with bone metastases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Association between proton pump inhibitors and periodontal disease severity

OBJECTIVES

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for the management of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. PPIs modulate osteoclast function, reduce gastric acid secretion, and are associated with the establishment of a more diverse gastrointestinal microbiota. Periodontitis is characterized by microbe-associated host-mediated inflammation that results in loss of periodontal attachment. The aim of this study was to assess whether a relationship exists between PPIs and periodontal disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using patient records from a faculty periodontal practice. The proportion of elevated probing depths was used to measure periodontitis severity. Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-tests, and Chi-square tests of independence.

RESULTS

Records from 1093 patients were initially assessed. Fourteen percent of teeth were associated with ≥6 mm probing depths among PPI users, in contrast to 24% for patients not using PPIs (P = 0.030). Similarly, 27% of teeth exhibited ≥5 mm probing depths among PPI users versus 40% for non-PPI users (P = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that PPIs are associated with a reduced proportion of elevated probing depths. Future prospective studies are indicated to elucidate possible mechanisms through which PPIs might affect, and potentially be used in the treatment of, periodontitis.

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors adversely affects minerals and vitamin metabolism, bone turnover, bone mass, and bone strength

Notwithstanding, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most excellent options for different anti-secretory therapy in terms of improved symptomatic outcomes, numerous epidemiological and cohort studies provide evidence of an association between long-term proton PPIs use and increased fracture risk among users. The present attempt aimed to summarize the effect of long-term use of PPIs on musculoskeletal systems by considering the recent claims of different research groups to understand the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis and to determine the risk factors associated with these complications. We extracted data from various systematic reviews and meta-analyses, cross-sectional studies, prospective studies, case-control studies, cohort studies, and in-vivo and in-vitro studies to observe the consequence of long-term PPIs uses over the patient's bone health. Recent findings suggested that long-term use of PPIs plays an introductory and cabalistic role in the development of osteoporosis mostly hip fractures by disturbing numerous biological pathways and thus able to set up a link between over-prescription of PPIs and bone loss. Frequent administration of PPIs is associated with a significantly worse outcome to bone mineral density (BMD) profile and produce a negative impression on bone health. Since, there are limited data to determine the association of PPIs use and change in BMD, recommending further studies to find out this dissertation.

Polypharmacy and Malnutrition Management of Elderly Perioperative Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review

Malnutrition, which commonly occurs in perioperative patients with cancer, leads to decreased muscle mass, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, thereby increasing the patient's risk of various complications. Thus, the nutritional management of perioperative patients with cancer should be focused on to ensure that surgical treatment is safe and effective, postoperative complications are prevented, and mortality is reduced. Pathophysiological and drug-induced factors in elderly patients with cancer are associated with the risk of developing malnutrition. Pathophysiological factors include the effects of tumors, cachexia, and anorexia of aging. Metabolic changes, such as inflammation, excess catabolism, and anabolic resistance in patients with tumor-induced cancer alter the body's ability to use essential nutrients. Drug-induced factors include the side effects of anticancer drugs and polypharmacy. Drug-drug, drug-disease, drug-nutrient, and drug-food interactions can significantly affect the patient's nutritional status. Furthermore, malnutrition may affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, potentiate drug effects, and cause side effects. This review outlines polypharmacy and malnutrition, the impact of malnutrition on drug efficacy, drug-nutrient and drug-food interactions, and intervention effects on polypharmacy or cancer cachexia in elderly perioperative patients with cancer.

Adverse Effects Associated with Proton Pump Inhibitor Use

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) marked a before and after in the management of gastric acid-related disorders since their introduction to the market in 1989. Due to a novel, highly effective mechanism of action blocking the last converging step of gastric acid secretion by parietal cells and very few and mostly tolerable side effects, these drugs quickly displaced other pharmacological compounds such as H2 antagonists as the first treatment choice for peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcers, and eradication of Helicobacter pylori, leading to an exponential increase in their prescription up to now. However, widespread PPI use has led to emerging evidence of long-term adverse effects not described previously, including increased risk of kidney, liver, and cardiovascular disease, dementia, enteroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, susceptibility to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and impaired absorption of nutrients. Although the evidence published thus far has not established strong correlations, it has been relevant enough to raise new questions about PPIs' safety profile and reconsideration of their clinical indications. Hence, the aim of this review is to evaluate the association between PPI use and the risk of serious adverse effects given increasing concerns about the overuse of PPIs in the general population.

Pantoprazole (PPZ) Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Formation and Function In Vitro and Prevents Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) Induced Inflammatory Calvarial Bone Loss In Vivo

Bone remodeling is a process delicately balanced between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation. Osteoclasts (OCs) are multinucleated giant cells formed through the fusion of monocytic precursors of the hematopoietic stem cells lineage. OCs are the exclusive cells responsible for the resorption and degradation of the mineralized bone matrix. Pantoprazole (PPZ), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is commonly prescribed to reduce excess gastric acid production for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. Studies have found contradictory effects of PPI therapy on bone metabolism due to the lack of understanding of the exact underlying mechanism. In this study, we found that PPZ inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand- (RANKL-) induced osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow monocytic/macrophage (BMMs) precursors and the bone-resorbing activity of mature OCs. Correspondingly, the expression of OC marker genes was also attenuated. At the molecular level, PPZ treatment was associated with reduced activation of the ERK MAPK signaling pathways crucial to OC differentiation. Additionally, the in vivo administration of PPZ protected mice against lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammatory calvarial bone erosion, as a result of the reduced number and activity of OCs on the calvarial bone surface. Although PPI use is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, our study provides evidence for the direct inhibitory effect of PPZ on OC formation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a potential therapeutic use of PPZ in the treatment of osteolytic disease with localized bone destruction.

Effect of proton pump inhibitors on dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

The present systematic review aims to determine the evidence on the impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on dental implants.

Settings and Design

This secondary qualitative and quantitative research was done using a pre-specified question and inclusion criteria.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane. All the studies that assessed the effect of PPIs on dental implants were included, irrespective of the design. Literature review, letter to editors, short commentaries, and opinion articles were excluded.

Results and Statistical Analysis Used

A total of three publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All these included articles were retrospective cohort studies; the methodological quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A total of 452 implants were placed in 149 PPI users, whereas 6798 were positioned in 2241 nonusers. Of these, 43 and 212 implants failed in users and nonusers, respectively (odds ratio: 2.91, 95% confidence interval: 2.06-4.11). The meta-analysis was performed using the statistical software Review Manager, and a fixed-effect model was used to obtain the odds ratio. The success rate of implants based on age, gender, smoking, and bone augmentation could be combined only from two studies, which revealed a considerable effect of these factors.

Conclusion

As far as the available evidence is considered, it seems as if the usage of PPI has a detrimental effect on the success of dental implants. This influence needs justification as none of the included studies segregated the data based on confounding factors. Hence, there is a need to conduct well-designed, prospective, randomized clinical trials with balanced confounding factors to derive a proper conclusion.

Association between proton pump inhibitor use and risk of fracture: A population-based case-control study

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to reconfirm the association between the risk of fracture and proton pump inhibitor use and to establish evidence for defining a high-risk group of patients among proton pump inhibitor users.

Methods

A nested case-control study was performed using data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service database from the period January 2007 to December 2017. The study population included elderly women aged ≥65 years with claims for peptic ulcer or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The cases were all incidental osteoporotic fractures, and up to two controls were matched to each case by age, osteoporosis, and Charlson comorbidity index. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 21,754 cases were identified, and 43,508 controls were matched to the cases. The adjusted odds ratio of osteoporotic fractures related to the use of proton pump inhibitors was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.11–1.20). There was a statistically significant interaction between proton pump inhibitor and bisphosphonate use (p<0.01). The risk of fracture in patients using proton pump inhibitors was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08–1.92) in bisphosphonate users and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03–1.20) in bisphosphonate non-users.

Conclusion

Concomitant use of bisphosphonates and proton pump inhibitors will likely increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures in women aged 65 and over, and caution should be exercised in this high-risk group of patients.

Adverse Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors-Evidence and Plausibility

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been increasingly used over the last decades and there are concerns about overuse and the numerous reported side-effects. It is uncertain whether associations between PPI use and potential side effects are causal. However, important evidence from experimental and mechanistic studies that could support a causal relationship may have been underestimated by epidemiologists and meta-analysists. In the current manuscript we review the combined epidemiological and mechanistic evidence of the adverse effects of PPI use.

The impact of proton pump inhibitors on bone regeneration and implant osseointegration

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become known for the treatment of gastric-acid related disorders. Similar to any other drugs, PPIs have possible adverse reactions, being associated with bone fractures, infections, kidney disease, mineral deficiency, dementia, and pneumonia. Multiple analyses have stated that PPIs therapy may affect bone regeneration and osseointegration process, causing an increased risk of bone fracture, deterioration of bone metabolism and impaired bone healing. In this review, we emphasized the current literature regarding the influence of proton pump inhibitors in the bone regeneration process. Results from the studies suggest a link between PPIs intake and bone regeneration, but several concerns are raised regarding inadequate recipient bone, surgical trauma, limitations on the titanium surface, comorbidities or interference with other pharmacological agents. Further studies are needed to determine whether the impaired bone regeneration process is due to PPI or coexisting factors.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use, H2-Receptor Antagonist Use, and Risk of Incident Clinical Vertebral Fracture in Women

The few prospective studies examining the relation between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and risk of vertebral fracture (VF) suggest a higher risk, but the magnitude of the association has been inconsistent. Moreover, no prospective studies have examined the association between substantially longer duration of PPI use and VF risk. Our objective was to determine the association between PPI use, H₂RA use, and incident clinical VF in women. We conducted a prospective study in 55,545 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study. PPI and H₂RA use was assessed by questionnaire every 4 years. Self-reports of VF were confirmed by medical record. Our analysis included 547 incident VF cases (2002-2014). The multivariate adjusted relative risk (MVRR) of VF for women taking PPIs was 1.29 (95% CI 1.04-1.59) compared with non-users. Longer duration of PPI use was associated with higher VF risk (MVRR 1.16 [0.90-1.49] for < 4 years; 1.27 [0.93-1.73] for 4-7.9 years; 1.64 [1.02-2.64] for ≥ 8 years; p_trend = 0.01). The MVRR of VF for women taking H₂RAs was 1.22 (0.90-1.67) compared with non-users. Longer duration of H₂RA use was not associated with VF risk (MVRR 1.16 [0.88-1.53] for < 4 years; 0.98 [0.60-1.59] for ≥ 4 years; p_trend = 0.72). PPI use is independently associated with a modestly higher risk of VF and the risk increases with longer duration of use. There was no statistically significant association between H₂RA use and VF risk. Our findings add to the growing evidence suggesting caution with PPI use, particularly with longer duration of use.

Discontinuing Long-Term PPI Therapy: Why, With Whom, and How?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely used class of drugs prescribed over the long term in all of clinical medicine with 8-10% of ambulatory adults have been prescribed a PPI in the past 30 days. However, numerous studies have raised doubts about the long term safety of PPI use. The purpose of this review is threefold: (i) To provide an overview of the current evidence demonstrating associations between PPI use and adverse health outcomes and the likelihood of the associations being causal (Why?); (ii) To be able to identify long-term PPI users in whom the intensity of PPI therapy could be reduced or in whom PPIs could be eliminated outright (Who?); and (iii) To provide strategies on how to reduce or stop chronic PPI therapy while maintaining symptom control and reducing the risk for symptom or upper GI disease recurrence (How?).

Incidence and predictors of osteoporotic fractures in patients with Barrett's oesophagus: a population-based nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are inconsistently associated with osteoporotic fractures. Barrett's oesophagus (BO) patients are treated with high PPI doses for prolonged periods, but there are limited data on the incidence of osteoporosis and fractures in this group pf patients.

AIM

To estimate the incidence of (and risk factors for) low bone mass (osteoporosis and/or osteopenia) related fractures in a population-based BO cohort.

METHODS

All subjects with BO and a diagnosis of osteoporosis and fractures were identified using Rochester Epidemiology Project resources. The incidence rates of all and osteoporotic fractures in these subjects were compared to an age- and gender similar population in Olmsted County to determine standardised incidence ratios (SIR). Predictors were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Five hundred and twenty-one patients were included (median [IQR] age 61 [52, 72] years; 398 [76%] men) of whom 113 (21.7%) had fractures, and 46 (8.8%) had osteoporotic fractures. The incidence of all fractures and osteoporotic fractures was comparable to that of an age- and gender-matched population (SIR 1.09; 95% CI 0.92-1.29: SIR 1.05; 95% CI 0.85-1.29). PPI use, dose or duration of use was not associated with osteoporotic fracture risk (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.12-6.39). Independent risk factors for osteoporotic fractures included older age, female gender and higher co-morbidity index.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of osteoporotic fractures was not increased in BO patients compared to the general population. In addition, PPI use was not associated with increased fracture risk regardless of the duration of therapy or dose.

Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Not Associated With Changes in Bone Strength and Structure

OBJECTIVES

Multiple studies have reported an association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and fracture. However, the causality of this association is questionable, as there is not a well defined mechanism of action, nor is there evidence of an effect on PPIs on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) using dual photon X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It is possible that PPIs may induce changes in bone structure which would predispose to fracture in the absence of changes in aBMD. We used three-dimensional quantitative computed tomography (3D-QCT) imaging to determine if long-term PPI use was associated with structural changes in bone independent of aBMD.

METHODS

We enrolled a sample of long-term (≥5 years) PPI users matched to a similar cohort of persons with no PPI use in the previous 5 years. All subjects underwent assessment of aBMD using DXA, volumetric BMD using 3D-QCT, as well as markers of bone metabolism. Measures of bone strength, including buckling ratio and section modulus, were also compared between the two samples.

RESULTS

104 subjects were enrolled (52 PPI users and 52 PPI non-users). There were no differences detected in standard BMD, volumetric BMD, markers of bone metabolism or measures of bone strength between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term PPI use is not associated with any changes in bone mineral density or bone strength that would predispose to an increased risk of fracture. These findings provide further evidence that the association between PPI use and fracture is not causal.

Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Calcium Absorption, Bone Resorption, and Risk of Hip Fracture

Objective:

To review the influence of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on calcium absorption, bone remodeling, and fracture risk.

Data Sources:

A search via MEDLINE (1966–April 2007) was performed using the search terms proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole, calcium absorption, calcium malabsorption, bone resorption, and fracture risk.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

English-language literature, including abstracts, preclinical and clinical trials, and review articles, were identified from the data sources and reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Data on the effect of PPIs on calcium absorption are conflicting; however, the majority of data indicate that PPIs decrease intestinal calcium absorption, which could negatively affect bone strength. In particular, calcium carbonate may be more difficult to absorb in an environment with elevated pH due to PPI use. Data on the role of PPIs in osteoclast function are also conflicting, with one human study indicating decreased bone resorption due to inhibition of osteoclast function and another human study indicating no association between PPIs and osteoclast function. The risk of fracture with PPI use was evaluated in 2 studies, and both studies found an increased risk of fracture of 14–44% after PPI use.

Conclusions:

PPI use may increase a patient's risk of fracture. Additional studies are needed before causality can be established.

Are proton pump inhibitors really so dangerous?

For decades, millions of patients with acid-related disorders have had their acid inhibited effectively and safely first with H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and then with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). As with any pharmacological agent, PPIs have been reported to be associated with some adverse events, but several recent large-scale observational studies have evidenced new and serious abnormalities generally linked to their chronic use. However, these studies have often important limitations for their frequent retrospective design and other methodological drawbacks, such as selection biases of the analyzed populations and the presence of various confounding factors. Overall, although the conclusions of these pharmacovigilant investigations must be taken into account and can generate important hypotheses for future research, they do not have to create panic among patients and alarmism among physicians. On considering the weakness of these studies, we suggest physicians should not refrain from continuing to use PPIs, if these drugs are given for medical indications clearly established in the literature and, more importantly, they should not be induced to shift to H2RAs, a class of antisecretory agents that are much less effective than PPIs. A return to the past is potentially dangerous for the patients, taking into account the well-known success of PPIs in the wide spectrum of all acid-related conditions.

Efficacy of alfacalcidol and alendronate on lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporotic patients using proton pump inhibitors

It has been indicated that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with a loss of the anti-fracture efficacy of alendronate (AD). However, there are few prospective studies that have investigated the efficacy of AD on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporotic patients who are using PPIs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of alfacalcidol (AC) and AD on lumbar BMD in osteoporotic patients using PPIs. A prospective, randomized, active control study enrolled such osteoporotic patients (age, ≥50 years). The patients were randomly assigned to receive AC (1 µg/day) or AD (35 mg/week) and were followed up for one year. Patient profiles were maintained, and lumbar BMD, bone-specific alkaline-phosphatase (BAP) and collagen type-I cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy results, and the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) were evaluated. Percentage changes in lumbar BMD, NTX, BAP, and change in FSSG score from baseline to the end of one year of treatment were investigated. Sixteen patients were eligible for analysis (eight assigned to receive AC, eight assigned to receive AD). The percentage change in lumbar BMD from baseline to the end of treatment was −0.4±4.0% for the AC group vs. 6.8±6.3% for the AD group (P=0.015). No significant percentage change of BAP and NTX between the two groups was observed. Subsequent to one year of treatment, the FSSG score did not change from the baseline values for either study group, and no new bone fractures or esophagitis were observed in either group of patients. The findings demonstrated that in osteoporotic patients using concomitant PPIs, there was a greater increase in lumbar BMD after one year of treatment with AD compared with AC. However, the number of study subjects was small; thus, further, large prospective studies are required to determine the effect of AD in osteoporotic patients using concomitant PPIs.

Effects of rabeprazole on bone metabolic disorders in a gastrectomized rat model

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, the number of bone fractures reportedly increased in these patients. Although PPIs have been shown to inhibit the bone resorption by osteoclasts, the effect of PPIs on skeletal metabolism remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the PPI rabeprazole on skeletal metabolism using gastrectomized rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: i) Sham-surgery (n=15); ii) total gastrectomy (TG) control (n=20); iii) TG plus rabeprazole (n=20); and iv) TG plus the bisphosphonate minodronic acid (n=20). Twenty-two weeks after TG, the rats were sacrificed, and bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength and markers for bone metabolism were measured. Compared with the control group (50.0±8.1%), the TG-induced decrease in BMD was significantly ameliorated in the rabeprazole group (56.5±7.5%) and the minodronic acid group (59.0±6.0%). However, rabeprazole did not improve bone strength. In conclusion, rabeprazole does not appear to exacerbate bone metabolic disorders in gastrectomized rats, but rather ameliorates the TG-induced BMD decrease.

Nutritional consequences of long-term acid suppression; are they clinically important?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As acid suppression therapies with proton pump inhibitors are an extremely common practice for common acid-related diseases, there has been increased scrutiny on the safety of this class of therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been increasing reports of allegation of harm with the sustained use of proton pump inhibitors, in particular with potential adverse effects on vitamin and mineral absorption. This has prompted a number of product label changes directed by the US Food and Drug Administration, raising concerns for ongoing continued use among clinicians and patients.

SUMMARY

This review highlights the most recent information around these controversies and provides evidence summaries to help guide care providers in their care plans as well as discussions with patients.

Pantoprazole decreases cell viability and function of human osteoclasts in vitro

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed drugs that decrease stomach acidity and are thus often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and as a preventative agent for the adverse effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the stomach mucosa. In recently published literature, an association between proton pump inhibitor administration and increased fracture risk has been stated. In order to reveal the underlying pathomechanisms of these observations, the effects of pantoprazole, a representative of the proton pump inhibitors, on human osteoclasts in vitro were evaluated in this study. Osteoclasts were stimulated with increasing concentrations of pantoprazole ranging from 0 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL over a period of seven days. Cell viability and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity assays were performed after 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively. Here, stimulated osteoclasts presented a significantly lower viability and TRAP activity than the negative controls. Osteoclast-specific gene expression was evaluated after seven days and revealed no significant differences between all samples. Overall, the bone degrading and resorptive function of osteoclasts is inhibited by the administration of proton pump inhibitors. While PPI-related fractures through “basic multicellular unit” dysfunction are unlikely, the underlying pathomechanism remains unknown.

Calcium gluconate supplementation is effective to balance calcium homeostasis in patients with gastrectomy

We demonstrate histological evidence for hyperparathyroidism in patients with gastrectomy. This is, at least in part, explained by impaired calcium absorption, resulting in mineralization defects and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, we demonstrate improved bone mineralization in patients with gastrectomy after gluconate therapy and showed the effectiveness of calcium gluconate over carbonate to balance impaired calcium hemostasis in mice.

INTRODUCTION

Gastrectomy and hypochlorhydria due to long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy are associated with increased fracture risk because of intestinal calcium malabsorption. Hence, our objectives were to histologically investigate bone metabolism in patients with gastrectomy and to analyze the impact of calcium gluconate supplementation on skeletal integrity in the setting of impaired gastric acidification.

METHODS

Undecalcified bone biopsies of 26 gastrectomized individuals were histologically analyzed. In the clinical setting, we retrospectively identified 5 gastrectomized patients with sufficient vitamin D level, who were additionally supplemented with calcium gluconate and had a real bone mineral density (aBMD) follow-up assessments. A mouse model of achlorhydria (ATP4b-/-) was used to compare the effect of calcium gluconate and calcium carbonate supplementation on bone metabolism.

RESULTS

Biopsies from gastrectomized individuals showed significantly increased osteoid, osteoclast, and osteoblast indices and fibroosteoclasia (p < 0.05) as well as impaired calcium distribution in mineralized bone matrix compared to healthy controls. Five gastrectomized patients with sufficient vitamin D level demonstrated a significant increase in aBMD after a treatment with calcium gluconate alone for at least 6 months (p < 0.05). Calcium gluconate was superior to calcium carbonate in maintaining calcium metabolism in a mouse model of achlorhydria.

CONCLUSION

Gastrectomy is associated with severe osteomalacia, marrow fibrosis, and impaired calcium distribution within the mineralized matrix. We show that calcium gluconate supplementation can increase bone mineral density in gastrectomized individuals and performs superior to calcium carbonate in restoring calcium/skeletal homoeostasis in a mouse model of achlorhydria.

Systematic toxicity mechanism analysis of proton pump inhibitors: an in silico study

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are extensively used for the treatment of gastric acid-related disorders. PPIs appear to be well tolerated and almost have no short-term side effects. However, the clinical adverse reactions of long-term PPI usage are increasingly reported in recent years. So far, there is no study that elucidates the side effect mechanisms of PPIs comprehensively and systematically. In this study, a well-defined small molecule perturbed microarray data set of 344 compounds and 1695 samples was analyzed. With this high-throughput data set, a new index (Identity, I) was designed to identify PPI-specific differentially expressed genes. Results indicated that (1) up-regulated genes, such as RETSAT, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and UGT, enhanced vitamin A's metabolism processes in the cellular retinol metabolism pathway; and that (2) down-regulated genes, such as C1QA, C1QC, C4BPA, C4BPB, CFI, and SERPING1, enriched in the complement and coagulation cascades pathway. In addition, strong association was observed between these PPI-specific differentially expressed genes and the reported side effects of PPIs by the gene-disease association network analysis. One potential toxicity mechanism of PPIs as suggested from this systematic PPI-specific gene expression analysis is that PPIs are enriched in acidic organelles where they are activated and inhibit V-ATPases and acid hydrolases, and consequently block the pathways of antigen presentation, the synthesis and secretion of cytokines, and complement component proteins and coagulation factors. The strategies developed in this work could be extended to studies on other drugs.

Antiviral therapies against Ebola and other emerging viral diseases using existing medicines that block virus entry

Emerging viral diseases pose a threat to the global population as intervention strategies are mainly limited to basic containment due to the lack of efficacious and approved vaccines and antiviral drugs. The former was the only available intervention when the current unprecedented Ebolavirus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa began. Prior to this, the development of EBOV vaccines and anti-viral therapies required time and resources that were not available. Therefore, focus has turned to re-purposing of existing, licenced medicines that may limit the morbidity and mortality rates of EBOV and could be used immediately. Here we test three such medicines and measure their ability to inhibit pseudotype viruses (PVs) of two EBOV species, Marburg virus (MARV) and avian influenza H5 (FLU-H5). We confirm the ability of chloroquine (CQ) to inhibit viral entry in a pH specific manner. The commonly used proton pump inhibitors, Omeprazole and Esomeprazole were also able to inhibit entry of all PVs tested but at higher drug concentrations than may be achieved in vivo. We propose CQ as a priority candidate to consider for treatment of EBOV.

Antiviral therapies against Ebola and other emerging viral diseases using existing medicines that block virus entry

Emerging viral diseases pose a threat to the global population as intervention strategies are mainly limited to basic containment due to the lack of efficacious and approved vaccines and antiviral drugs. The former was the only available intervention when the current unprecedented Ebolavirus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa began. Prior to this, the development of EBOV vaccines and anti-viral therapies required time and resources that were not available. Therefore, focus has turned to re-purposing of existing, licenced medicines that may limit the morbidity and mortality rates of EBOV and could be used immediately. Here we test three such medicines and measure their ability to inhibit pseudotype viruses (PVs) of two EBOV species, Marburg virus (MARV) and avian influenza H5 (FLU-H5). We confirm the ability of chloroquine (CQ) to inhibit viral entry in a pH specific manner. The commonly used proton pump inhibitors, Omeprazole and Esomeprazole were also able to inhibit entry of all PVs tested but at higher drug concentrations than may be achieved in vivo. We propose CQ as a priority candidate to consider for treatment of EBOV.

The role of the gastrointestinal tract in calcium homeostasis and bone remodeling

While skeletal biology was approached in a rather isolated fashion in the past, an increasing understanding of the interplay between extraskeletal organs and bone remodeling has been obtained in recent years. This review will discuss recent advances in the field that have shed light on how the gastrointestinal tract and bone relate to each other. In particular, the importance of the GI tract in maintaining calcium homeostasis and skeletal integrity will be reviewed as impaired gastric acid production represents a major public health problem with possible implications for sufficient calcium absorption. Osteoporosis, the most prevalent bone disease worldwide, is caused not only by intrinsic defects affecting bone cell differentiation and function but also by a large set of extrinsic factors including hormonal disturbances, malnutrition, and iatrogenic drug application. Given the skeletal requirements of calcium, amino acids, and energy for bone turnover and renewal, it is not surprising that the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is of major importance for skeletal integrity.

Dose-dependent inhibitory effects of proton pump inhibitors on human osteoclastic and osteoblastic cell activity

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a class of molecules that are used to decrease gastric acid production, might have adverse effects on bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to characterize the concentration-dependent and time-dependent effects of three PPIs (omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole) on human osteoclast precursor cells isolated from peripheral blood, and on human mesenchymal stem cells (osteoblast precursors). Cell cultures were characterized for total protein content, apoptosis, and several osteoclastic/osteoblastic features, and also for the involvement of some intracellular signaling pathways. PPIs caused a dose-dependent decrease in cellular density, which correlated with an increase in the apoptosis rate, effects that became statistically significant at concentrations ≥ 10(-5) m. They also inhibited phenotype-related gene expression and functional parameters. For both cell types, cellular function, i.e. osteoclastic resorption and the formation of mineralized deposits by osteoblastic cells, was more affected than proliferation-related parameters. The three PPIs showed similar qualitative and quantitative effects, but displayed some differences in the underlying intracellular signaling pathways. These results suggest that PPIs might have a direct deleterious effect on bone cells, with the possibility of decreased bone turnover.

A population-based case-control study: proton pump inhibition and risk of hip fracture by use of bisphosphonate

BACKGROUND

Studies on the risk of osteoporotic fractures related to the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been inconsistent. One recent cohort study reported that there was an interaction between PPIs and bisphosphonates (BPs). Thus we performed a case-control study aimed at evaluating the risk of hip fractures related to PPIs and exploring the interaction between PPIs and BPs.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database from 2005 January to 2006 June. The cases were all incident hip fractures identified from July 2005 to June 2006, and up to four controls were matched to each case by age, gender, and osteoporosis. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and its 95 % confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A total of 24,710 cases were identified and 98,642 controls were matched to the cases. The aOR and its 95 % CI of hip fractures related to the use of PPIs was 1.34 (95 % CI 1.24-1.44). When the study participants were stratified according to BP use, the aOR was 1.30 (95 % CI 1.19-1.42) in BP non-users, which was significantly different from the 1.71 (95 % CI 1.31-2.23) of BP users. Only BP users showed a decreasing tendency toward fracture risk as exposure to PPI became less recent, and a trend of increasing risk with increasing cumulative doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the mechanism for increased risk of hip fracture by PPIs may arise mainly from interaction of BP and PPIs.

Proton pump inhibitors have no measurable effect on calcium and bone metabolism in healthy young males: a prospective matched controlled study

OBJECTIVES

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with an increased risk of bone fractures. This study sought to evaluate the effect of PPIs on biochemical markers of calcium and bone metabolism.

METHODS

Prospective matched controlled study involving healthy adult males (age 18-50years) suffering from frequent heartburn. Patients received standard-dose PPI for 12weeks and were matched by age with healthy controls. Blood studies were taken at 0, 1 and 3months for biochemical markers of mineral and bone metabolism. Two-way (time and PPI treatment) repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) and multiple linear regression were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 58 participants (29 per group) completed the study. Mean age of participants was 33.2±7.5years. Baseline characteristics and biomarkers were similar for both groups except for higher BMI (28.6 vs. 25.6kg/m(2), p=0.008) and serum C-terminal cross linked telopeptides of type I collagen [CrossLaps, (300 vs. 228pg/ml, p=0.028)] in the PPI group. There was no difference in parathormone (PTH), ionized calcium, vitamin D, osteocalcin and CrossLaps between the PPI and control subjects (all non-significant; 2-way RM-ANOVA). Multiple linear regression modeling showed no effect of PPIs on any of the studied calcium or bone metabolism biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

PPI intake for 12weeks has no measurable effect on calcium or bone metabolism in healthy young males.

ATP4A gene regulatory network for fine-tuning of proton pump and ion channels

The ATP4A encodes α subunit of H(+), K(+)-ATPase that contains catalytic sites of the enzyme forming pores through cell membrane which allows the ion transport. H(+), K(+)-ATPase is a membrane bound P-type ATPase enzyme which is found on the surface of parietal cells and uses the energy derived from each cycle of ATP hydrolysis that can help in exchanging ions (H(+), K(+) and Cl(-)) across the cell membrane secreting acid into the gastric lumen. The 3-D model of α-subunit of H(+), K(+)-ATPase was generated by homology modeling. It was evaluated and validated on the basis of free energies and amino acid residues. The inhibitor binding amino acid active pockets were identified in the 3-D model by molecular docking. The two drugs Omeprazole and Rabeprazole were found more potent interactions with generated model of α-subunit of H(+), K(+)-ATPase on the basis of their affinity between drug-protein interactions. We have generated ATP4A gene regulatory networks for interactions with other proteins which involved in regulation that can help in fine-tuning of proton pump and ion channels. These findings provide a new dimension for discovery and development of proton pump inhibitors and gene regulation of the ATPase. It can be helpful in better understanding of human physiology and also using synthetic biology strategy for reprogramming of parietal cells for control of gastric ulcers.

The relationship between proton pump inhibitor use and longitudinal change in bone mineral density: a population-based study [corrected] from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos)

OBJECTIVES

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has been identified as a risk factor for hip and vertebral fractures. Evidence supporting a relationship between PPI use and osteoporosis remains scant. Demonstrating that PPIs are associated with accelerated bone mineral density (BMD) loss would provide supportive evidence for a mechanism through which PPIs could increase fracture risk.

METHODS

We used the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study data set, which enrolled a population-based sample of Canadians who underwent BMD testing of the femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine (L1-L4) at baseline, and then again at 5 and 10 years. Participants also reported drug use and exposure to risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the independent association of PPI exposure and baseline BMD, and on change in BMD at 5 and 10 years.

RESULTS

In all, 8,340 subjects were included in the baseline analysis, with 4,512 (55%) undergoing year 10 BMD testing. After adjusting for potential confounders, PPI use was associated with significantly lower baseline BMD at the femoral neck and total hip. PPI use was not associated with a significant acceleration in covariate-adjusted BMD loss at any measurement site after 5 and 10 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

PPI users had lower BMD at baseline than PPI non-users, but PPI use over 10 years did not appear to be associated with accelerated BMD loss. The reasons for discordant findings between PPI use at baseline and during follow-up require further study.

Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, delays fracture healing in mice

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are widely used in the treatment of dyspeptic problems, have been shown to reduce osteoclast activity. There is no information, however, on whether PPIs affect fracture healing. We therefore studied the effect of the PPI pantoprazole on callus formation and biomechanics during fracture repair. Bone healing was analyzed in a murine fracture model using radiological, biomechanical, histomorphometric, and protein biochemical analyses at 2 and 5 weeks after fracture. Twenty-one mice received 100 mg/kg body weight pantoprazole i.p. daily. Controls (n = 21) received equivalent amounts of vehicle. In pantoprazole-treated animals biomechanical analysis revealed a significantly reduced bending stiffness at 5 weeks after fracture compared to controls. This was associated with a significantly lower amount of bony tissue within the callus and higher amounts of cartilaginous and fibrous tissue. Western blot analysis showed reduced expression of the bone formation markers bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-4, and cysteine-rich protein (CYR61). In addition, significantly lower expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen indicated reduced cell proliferation after pantoprazole treatment. Of interest, the reduced expression of bone formation markers was associated with a significantly diminished expression of RANKL, indicating osteoclast inhibition. Pantoprazole delays fracture healing by affecting both bone formation and bone remodeling.

Vertebral fracture efficacy during risedronate therapy in patients using proton pump inhibitors

Recent evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use may affect fracture risk, an important issue for patients being concurrently treated for osteoporosis. The results of our post hoc analysis showed that, regardless of PPI concomitant use, risedronate significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures compared with placebo.

INTRODUCTION

Recent evidence suggests that PPI use may affect fracture risk, an important issue for patients being concurrently treated for osteoporosis. Moreover, data suggest that concomitant use of PPIs may wane the anti-fracture effect of bisphosphonates. We explored the relationship between concomitant use of PPIs and incident vertebral fractures among patients treated with risedronate or placebo. Bone mineral density (BMD) and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) adverse events (AEs) were also assessed.

METHODS

This study is a post hoc analysis of a subset of patients participating in three prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, with durations of up to 3 years, which evaluated the efficacy of risedronate in reducing fracture risk: Vertebral Efficacy with Risedronate Trial-MultiNational (VERT-MN); Vertebral Efficacy with Risedronate Trial-North America (VERT-NA); and the risedronate Hip Intervention Program (HIP).

RESULTS

Total enrollment included 2,729 risedronate and 2,725 placebo patients. Concomitant acid-suppressing drugs were used by 8.8% of the total population (n = 482). Regardless of PPI concomitant use, risedronate significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures compared with placebo (risk reduction: PPI users 57%, p = 0.009; PPI non-users 38%, p < 0.001). BMD increased with risedronate, independent of PPI use. PPI users were at a 2.5-fold greater risk of experiencing at least one UGI AE compared with non-users.

CONCLUSIONS

Risedronate significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures compared with placebo, regardless of PPI concomitant use.

Risk of fracture and pneumonia from acid suppressive drugs

A recently published systematic review and meta-analysis, incorporating all relevant studies on the association of acid suppressive medications and pneumonia identified up to August 2009, revealed that for every 200 patients, treated with acid suppressive medication, one will develop pneumonia. They showed the overall risk of pneumonia was higher among people using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.11-1.46, I² = 90.5%] and Histamine_-2 receptor antagonists (H₂RAs) (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09-1.36, I² = 0.0%). In the randomized controlled trials, use of H₂RAs was associated with an elevated risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (relative risk 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.48, I² = 30.6%). Another meta-analysis of 11 studies published between 1997 and 2011 found that PPIs, which reduce stomach acid production, were associated with increased risk of fracture. The pooled OR for fracture was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.18-1.41) with use of PPIs and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99-1.23) with use of H₂RAs, when compared with non-use of the respective medications. Long-term use of PPIs increased the risk of any fracture (adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15-1.48) and of hip fracture risk (adjusted OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.09-1.66), whereas long-term H₂RA use was not significantly associated with fracture risk. Clinicians should carefully consider when deciding to prescribe acid-suppressive drugs, especially for patients who are already at risk for pneumonia and fracture. Since it is unnecessary to achieve an achlorhydric state in order to resolve symptoms, we recommend using the only minimum effective dose of drug required to achieve the desired therapeutic goals.

Effectiveness of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole associated with calcium hydroxide as intracanal medication: an in vivo study

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the association of a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) with Ca(OH)(2) as intracanal medication in a rat model of periapical lesions.

METHODS

Periapical lesions were induced on the first right mandibular molar tooth of 36 male Wistar rats (6 per group). After 28 days, the distal canal of each tooth was prepared, filled with the respective dressing (negative control group, PEG 400; positive control group, Ca(OH)(2) + PEG400; test group, Ca(OH)(2) + omeprazole + PEG 400), and sealed with amalgam for 15 or 28 days. Microbiological samples were taken in 3 periods: S1, after 28 days of lesion induction; S2, after the biomechanical preparation; and S3, after the medication (15 and 28 days).

RESULTS

The radiographic and histologic analysis revealed that either Ca(OH)(2) or Ca(OH)(2) plus omeprazole dressings produced a reduction of periapical lesions at 28 days, when compared with the negative control group. The reduction of periapical lesions and inflammatory cell infiltration was visibly improved by associating omeprazole with Ca(OH)(2), with an increase of reparative bone areas. The microbiological assessment showed a significant decrease of colony-forming units count from S1 to S2 or S3 collecting times, but no differences were observed between the S2 and the S3 time-periods or among the experimental groups within the S3 period. Further bacterial characterization showed a possible selective activity of the medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that association of omeprazole with Ca(OH)(2) favored a superior repair of rat periapical lesions and seemed to display different selective activity over endodontic microbiota, in comparison with the conventional Ca(OH)(2) dressing.

Proton pump inhibitors and gastritis

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are novel compounds that strongly inhibit the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase in the gastric parietal cells to cause profound suppression of acid secretion. Acid-generating ATPase, also known as vacuolar-type ATPase, is located in the lysozomes of leukocytes and osteoclasts and its activity is also reportedly influenced by treatment with PPIs. This concept is supported by the results of studies using autoradiography in which ³H-Lansoprazole uptake sites were clearly detected in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils infiltrating the gastric mucosa. In vitro studies indicate that PPIs increase the intra-vacuolar pH in the lysosomes of purified neutrophils and attenuate the adherence of neutrophils to the vascular endothelium. In clinical practice, the acidic environment in the stomach plays a critical role in the development of gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This is worthy of note, because persistent gastritis often results in atrophic and metaplastic changes in the gastric mucosa, which are believed to be preneoplastic abnormalities. In patients with H. pylori-infection, PPI therapy causes corpus-predominant gastritis, which is frequently found in the background mucosa in patients with gastric cancer. The efficacy and safety of long-term PPI-treatment have not been conclusive, thus we need to pay more attention to the additional pharmacological actions of PPIs.

A dairy product fermented by lactobacilli cancels the adverse effects of hypochlorhydria induced by a proton pump inhibitor on bone metabolism in growing rats

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of hypochlorhydria induced by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration and intake of a dairy product fermented by lactobacilli (DFL) on bone metabolism in growing rats. Male rats, aged 3 weeks, were divided into two groups: a control group fed a casein-based diet and a group fed a DFL-based diet. Each group was fed its respective experimental diets for 9 d. At day 5 of the feeding period, each group was divided into two subgroups: one that received a saline injection and one that received a PPI injection. Rats were subcutaneously administered saline or PPI for 5 d. Faecal Ca excretion was determined from day 6 to day 9. At the end of the experiment, plasma and femurs were collected. Administration of PPI significantly decreased bone mineral density (shown by X-ray computerised tomography) and bone strength (shown by a three-point bending test) in the control group. Plasma osteocalcin, type I collagen C-telopeptides, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone concentrations were elevated by PPI administration in the control group. Faecal Ca excretion and urinary P excretion in the control group were remarkably increased by PPI administration. On the other hand, these adverse effects of PPI were not observed in the DFL group. These results suggest that hypochlorhydria-induced bone loss may result from high bone turnover induced by secondary hyperparathyroidism due to Ca malabsorption and that DFL intake cancels these adverse effects probably via improving Ca malabsorption in growing rats.