Influence of Short-Term Antibiotic Therapy on Exercise

Description

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).

Conditions

Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Exercise

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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).

Influence of Short-Term Antibiotic Therapy on Exercise

Influence of Short-Term Antibiotic Therapy on Exercise

Condition
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Fort Collins

Human Performance Clinical Research Lab, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States, 80521

New Brunswick

Nutrition, and Exercise Metabolism Lab, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, 08901

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Use of either antibiotics or probiotics within the previous 12-weeksCurrently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding Identification of a contraindication to exercise Previous diagnosis of any of the following: heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, a heart murmur, sickle cell anemia, or a pulmonary(breathing) disorder. Previous hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide drug. History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of azithromycin. Diagnosis of pneumonia within previous 6-months.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,

Sara C Campbell, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersry

Christopher Bell, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Colorado State University

Study Record Dates

2025-05-01