Gut bacterial microbiome composition and statin intake—A systematic review

Abstract

Recently, the gut microbiome has become an important field of interest. Indeed, the microbiome has been associated to numerous drug interactions and it is thought to influence the efficacy of pharmacologic treatments. Although statins are widely prescribed medications, there remains considerable variability in its therapeutic response. In this context, we aimed to investigate how statins modulate the gut microbiome and, reversely, how can the microbiome influence the course of anti‐hypercholesterolemic treatment. We conducted a systematic review by searching four online databases, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies addressing gut microbiome changes following statin treatment and those assessing statins’ response and associating it with patients’ microbiome were included. Due to the limited number of results, we decided to include studies enrolling both humans and animals. We summarized information from three human and seven animal studies and aimed to assess the influence of gut microbiome composition on statin response (Outcome 1) and to evaluate the impact of statin treatment on the gut microbiome (Outcome 2). An association between a certain microbiome composition that promoted the lipid‐lowering effect of statins was found. However, what kind of microorganisms and how they can exert this effect remains uncertain. Furthermore, statins might have a role in the modulation of the gut microbiome, but then again, it is still unknown whether this change is directly caused by the drug or another metabolic mechanism. Even though gut microbiota may have several potential therapeutic implications, its use as a personalized predictive biomarker requires further studies.

Associations between dysbiosis-inducing drugs, overall survival and tumor response in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

“…Lastly, recent post hoc analyses of randomized trials of patients with UC and NSCLC showed worse OS and progression-free survival in individuals in the ICI arm (the anti-PD-L1 atezolizumab) receiving ATBs but not in those in the control arm (conventional chemotherapy) receiving ATBs. 23,24 Along with ATBs, a number of other drug classes can induce dysbiosis: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders (particularly phloroglucinol), anti-vitamin K (AVK) anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamin D3 (known for its protective role in intestinal homeostasis), 25 metformin (which stimulates the gut microbiota and the immune system), 26 opioids, statins (which appear to be associated with an anti-inflammatory gut microbiotic profile), 27 levothyroxine, and psychotropics. [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] The objective of the present study was to evaluate the associations between ATBs (especially amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) and other drugs known to modify gut microbiota on one hand and OS and the tumor response in patients treated with ICIs (particularly patients with melanoma) on the other.…”

“…Along with ATBs, a number of other drug classes can induce dysbiosis: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders (particularly phloroglucinol), anti-vitamin K (AVK) anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamin D3 (known for its protective role in intestinal homeostasis), 25 metformin (which stimulates the gut microbiota and the immune system), 26 opioids, statins (which appear to be associated with an anti-inflammatory gut microbiotic profile), 27 levothyroxine, and psychotropics. 28 – 35 …”

Microbiota and Its Impact on the Immune System in COVID-19—A Narrative Review

“…The gut microbiota is the largest reservoir of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi) inhabiting the human body [ 1 , 5 ]. The intestinal bacteria in healthy subjects primarily consists of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria , and Bacteroidetes [ 11 ], while the colon harbors bacteria of the Bacteroidaceae, Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Lachnospiraceae , and Rumniococcaceae families [ 12 ].…”

“…Genetic data indicate that the human body contains only 1% of human genes, and 99% of the genes belong to the microorganisms that inhabit the host [ 4 ]; therefore, the gut microbiome of an individual can encode more than 150 times more genes than the host genome. In contrast to the host genome, the quantitative and qualitative composition of microbiota is dynamic and changes under the influence of environmental factors, including the diet, exposure to antibiotics and, in particular, in response to disease [ 5 ].…”

Multifaceted Impacts of Periodontal Pathogens in Disorders of the Intestinal Barrier

“…Microbiota denotes the entire population of microorganisms that colonizes a specific region, including not just bacteria but also other microbes such as fungi, protozoans, viruses, and archaea ( 37 , 38 ). The majority of microorganisms residing in humans are found in the gut, forming the largest microbial ecosystem of the body.…”