The regulatory effect of proton pump inhibitors combined with triple therapy on gut microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity and gastrointestinal hormone secretion disorders in elderly patients with non erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease | [Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Kuanyu Nian: Department of Surgery, Shaanxi Kangfu Hospital,Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province,China

2. Dan Zhang: Department of Surgery, Shaanxi Kangfu Hospital,Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province,China

Abstract:

This study investigated the effects of Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) combined with triple therapy on elderly non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) patients. A total of 120 elderly patients diagnosed with NERD were divided into two groups: the study group received PPIs combined with triple therapy, while the control group received PPI monotherapy. Significant improvements were observed in the study group compared with the control group: gut microbiota diversity (Shannon Index: from 3.80±0.40 to 5.30±0.60), increased abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reduced Enterococcus levels (All p<0.001). Visceral hypersensitivity scores showed increased pressure and pain thresholds (p<0.001) and reduced urgency and bloating (p<0.05). Gastrointestinal hormone such as motilin, ghrelin levels were increased (both p<0.001), and somatostatin was decreased (p=0.034). Systemic inflammatory markers such as IL-6, CRP, TNF-a, and IL-1ß significantly declined, while anti-inflammatory IL-10 increased (All p<0.001). GERDQ scores improved more significantly in the study group (p < 0.001), and SF-36 quality of life domains reflected better physical and mental outcomes (p<0.001). These findings underscore the potential of combination therapy as a superior treatment strategy for elderly NERD patients, improving both clinical outcomes and quality of life. Further studies are warranted to explore long-term benefits and optimize treatment protocols.

Page(s): 2250-2263

DOI: 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.13939.1

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume: 38, Issue: 6, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Proton Pump Inhibitors , Quality of life , Elderly patients , Gut microbiota diversity , Nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

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