Scientific Poster Session IV - Original Research

Original Research
  Tuesday, October 15, 2024
  08:30 AM–10:00 AM

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that polypharmacy may influence the composition of the gut microbiota. However, the potential impact of drug interactions with the oral microbiome remains unclear.

Research Question or Hypothesis: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between polypharmacy and the oral microbiome.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010 and 2011-2012.

Methods: Participants who were 55-79 years old and reported taking at least one prescription medication were included. The concurrent use of 5 or more medications was defined as polypharmacy. Alpha diversity (within-sample richness and phylogenetic diversity) was measured with metrics including observed OTUs, Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity, the Shannon-Weiner index, and the Simpson index. Beta diversity (heterogeneous dispersion of oral microbiome community) was measured between all pairs of samples with metrics including unweighted UniFrac, weighted UniFrac, and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. Weighted multivariable linear regression, principal coordinate analyses (PCoA) and multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were employed to examine the association between polypharmacy and oral microbiome composition.

Results: Of 1,658 participants assessed, 562 (weighted percentage, 29.5%) were taking 5 or more medications. After adjustment for covariates, multivariable linear regression revealed a significant negative correlation between polypharmacy and alpha diversity. The weighted ß-coefficient and 95% confidence interval of polypharmacy were -8. 342(-12.487, -4.197), 0.566(-0.944, -0.189), and -0.126(-0.221, -0.030) for observed OTUs, Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity, and the Shannon-Weiner index, respectively. PCoA analysis showed a significant differentiation of oral microbiome community based on the prevalence of polypharmacy as measured by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity (R²=0.299%, P<.001), unweighted UniFrac distance (R²=0.247%, P<.001), and weighted UniFrac distance (R²=0.215%, P<.001).

Conclusion: Among middle-aged and older Americans adults, polypharmacy is associated with both oral microbiome alpha diversity and beta diversity. Further longitudinal studies are needed to substantiate the impact of polypharmacy on the dynamics of the oral microbiome.

Presenting Author

Kai Wei PhD
Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital

Authors

Chun Chen MS
Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital

Qi Chen PhD
Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital

Yu Li BS
Guizhou Construction Hospital

Yanping Yang MS
Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital