Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs have been extremely popular treatments for acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. They were considered among the safest drugs in the pharmacy for years. But recent research has shown that PPI use is linked to kidney problems, dementia, heart disease, fractures, intractable diarrhea and pneumonia, possibly because they harm blood vessels.
How Do PPIs Harm Blood Vessels?
A new study published in Circulation Research offers a possible explanation for some of these adverse reactions. The authors found that when they exposed the types of cells that line blood vessels to PPIs, the cells became prickly and sticky instead of smooth. They compared normal endothelial cell function to Teflon and PPI exposed cells to Velcro. This change in the lining cells (endothelium) could harm blood vessels.
PPIs Accelerate Normal Cellular Aging:
This transformation mimics normal cellular aging but it is accelerated under the influence of PPIs. The researchers hypothesize that PPIs lower acidity within the lysosomes in endothelial cells.
These lysosomes would normally use acid to clear away cellular debris. If this theory holds up, it might explain why drugs like esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or omeprazole (Prilosec) could harm blood vessels, resulting in deleterious effects on the heart, the brain and the kidneys.
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