Influence of Short-Term Antibiotic Therapy on Exercise
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Summary
The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria that inhabit the stomach and other regions involved in the digestion of food, including the intestines. Compelling studies of animals (rodents) suggest that the health of the gut microbiome may influence skeletal muscle function and exercise performance. To date, there have been no similar observations reported in humans. A common experimental approach in animal studies to temporarily disrupt the gut microbiome is through the use of antibiotic therapies. Azithromycin is an antibiotic medicine prescribed to humans for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by bacteria. The purpose of the proposed project is to determine the influence of short-term (5-days) antibiotic therapy (azithromycin) on exercise performance in young, healthy adults. Treadmill exercise performance will be compared in two groups of adults before and after 5-days ingestion of azithromycin, or a placebo (something that has no physical effect).
Description
Following screening, baseline evaluation, and protocol familiarization, young healthy adults will be randomly assigned to 5-days of antibiotic therapy (azithromycin) or placebo (something that has no effect). Prior to and the day after final therapy, participants will be studied during performance of treadmill exercise. Additional measurements to support data interpretation will include assessment of fecal samples to obtain insight into the gut microbiome, quantification of blood markers of inflammation and gut health, determination of body mass and composition, and quantification of daily phy…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 18-40 years of age Must identify as male or female Able and willing to run for 60 minutes on a treadmill without stopping Completed a minimum of150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over the previous year. For participants who were assigned female at birth (i.e., born as biological females), they must currently use hormonal methods of contraception. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of either antibiotics or probiotics within the previous 12-weeksCurrently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding Identification of a contraindication to exerci…
Interventions
- DrugAzithromycin
Standard of care, 5 days of drug per manufacturer's instructions.
Locations (2)
- Human Performance Clinical Research LabFort Collins, Colorado
- Nutrition, and Exercise Metabolism LabNew Brunswick, New Jersey