Increased Pancreatic Protease Activity in Response to Antibiotics Impairs Gut Barrier and Triggers Colitis

Abstract

Background & Aims: Antibiotic (ABx) therapy is associated with increased risk for Crohn's disease but underlying mechanisms are unknown. We observed high fecal serine protease activity (PA) to be a frequent side effect of ABx therapy. The aim of the present study was to unravel whether this rise in large intestinal PA may promote colitis development via detrimental effects on the large intestinal barrier. Methods: mice was investigated using vancomycin/metronidazole with or without oral serine protease inhibitor (AEBSF) treatment. Results: mice. Conclusions: High large intestinal PA is a frequent adverse effect of ABx therapy, which is detrimental to the large intestinal barrier and may contribute to the development of chronic intestinal inflammation in susceptible individuals.