Question

1. There are several significant issues with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

a. Discuss the symptoms for which PPIs are prescribed and the intended target of these drugs.

b. Address an organelle that would also be affected by these drugs. Explain.

c.. Propose an alternative approach for a patient with these symptoms that would not require him or her to remain on PPIs long-term. Does your approach address the source of their symptoms?

Answer 1

a] PPis can be prescribed for increased acidity in stomach, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease(heart burn) , gastritis, burning in chest, cough for long term and stomach pain due to ulcers.

The target of PPis is the ion channe lhydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (the H⁺/K⁺ATPase, or, more commonly, the gastric proton pump) of the gastric parietal cells, through which transport of H+ ions occurs and results in formation of HCl, causing all symptoms.

b.] mitochondria.

PPIs induce accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through mitochondrial dysfunctions and involvement of NADPH oxidase that can lead to oxidative damage.

c.]  H₂ antagonists( histamine H2 receptor antagonists) can be used instead of PPis in ptient not requiring long term use. These drugs target mainly all symptoms for which PPIs are used. and it acts on parietal cells of stomach so the source is addressed too.