Research: Not just antibiotics – also, every fourth drug destroys our intestinal flora

New adverse side-effect is discovered in one of every four drug

Antibiotics are known to be a bacteria killer, the combat is both useful as well as harmful bacteria dimensions. A recent study revealed that, in addition, more than one out of every four drug naturally in the human gut bacteria influenced. This hitherto unknown side effect could have long-term negative impact on the health and in addition to the development of antibiotic resistance contribute, without antibiotics.

A European research team of the “the European Molecular Biology Laboratory”, took place in more than a quarter of the over 1000 surveyed drugs a previously unknown side effect. According to the study, approximately every fourth drug has a harmful effect on up to 40 different types of bacteria for our gut flora (Microbiome) is crucial. The exact effects of this influence are not yet in sight. The researchers hold a long-term negative effect on health. The results of the study were recently presented in the prestigious scientific journal “Nature”.

Intestinal flora is gaining in importance in health research

Studies In the past ten years has shown again and again how important the composition of the intestinal Multiple for the General state of health is. In the case of antibiotic drugs has long been known that they can cause massive damage to the intestinal flora. That this effect of these antibiotics-also occurs in the case of many, was in this scale so far, however, unknown.

This is just the tip of the iceberg

In the current Nature study is described for the first Time, such as approximately one out of every four non-antibiotic medication the growth of various intestinal bacteria inhibits. This unknown side-effect was shown for drugs from all therapeutic classes. “How many different types of drugs, the intestinal microbes are affected by it, was really surprising,” emphasizes head of a group of Peer Bork, in a press release of the study results. Bork keeps this discovery is only the tip of the iceberg. The data from the investigation suggest that the actual number of drugs with this side effect will be even greater.

Side effect with unknown result

“We don’t know yet, what kind of most of these drugs act on the microbes, as these effects occur in the human host, and how the impact on the health of the patient,” adds Mr Kiran Patil. This relationship must be investigated promptly, in order to improve the understanding and effectiveness of existing drugs.

Resistance to antibiotics and without antibiotics

In addition to the potential health risks of the influence on the intestinal microbes can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, without taking antibiotics. The researchers explain that this is because of General resistance mechanisms, which act both against antibiotics as well as against other medicines. “This is really scary, when you consider that people take their whole lives long, often over long periods of time, medication,” says Nassos Typas from the study team.

In the area of the intestinal bacteria yet much is not understood

“Fortunately, all is not the impact of antibiotics on intestinal bacteria, and not all the resistance will spread,” says Typas. Interestingly, resistance to certain could Not way, antibiotics and even the effectiveness of certain antibiotics. This will open new opportunities for optimal drug combinations.

Each person has a different intestinal flora

“All men differ in the composition of their Multiple, which could explain why different patients react differently to the same medication,” says George Zeller from the research team. In addition to some types of bacteria that we all have in common, would have some persons to several other strains of bacteria within your Multiple, according to the expert. This speak for a personalized, on the individual’s intestinal Microbiome of the patient-specific treatment. For more information about the intestinal flora you can find in the article: gut flora: So let’s go!

The gut has a massive impact on our health condition

The exact impact of the gut is examined microbes still in numerous researches. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the Microbiome in the gut is having a huge influence on our General state of health. For example, the secret to a healthy heart lies in the intestinal flora. This is a different research team from the University of Colorado Boulder recently discovered. The researchers showed that changes in the gut multiple with age, can have an impact on the health of the heart. (vb)