PPI-Induced Changes in Plasma Metabolite Levels Influence Total Hip Bone Mineral Density in a UK Cohort

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most used drugs in the UK. PPI use has been associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk, although these results have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that PPI could modulate BMD by altering gut and/or host systemic metabolic environments. Using data from more than 5000 British male and female individuals, we confirmed that PPI use is associated with decreased lumbar spine and total hip BMD. This effect was not mediated through the gut microbiome. We suggest here that PPI use may influence total hip BMD, both directly and indirectly, via plasma metabolites involved in the sex hormone pathway. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).