Factors Influencing the Human Gut Microbiome Profile in Multi-ethnic Groups of the Singapore Community (FAMES)
Factors Influencing the Human Gut Microbiome Profile in Multi-ethnic Groups of the Singapore Community (FAMES)
The objectives of this study are to examine the effects of ethnicity, gender, and proton pump
 inhibitor (PPI, omeprazole), on the human gut microbiome. The investigators hypothesize that
 PPI therapy might perturb microbial communities and alter the gut microbiome. Young, healthy
 subjects of Chinese, Malay and Indian ancestry, were enrolled. They were required to provide
 a baseline stool sample (Day 1) and were then given a course of omeprazole at therapeutic
 dose (20 mg daily) for a duration of 7 days. Stool samples were collected again on Day 7 and
 Day 14 (one week after stopping omeprazole). The DNA samples were subjected to 16S ribosomal
 ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing.
Background and Aim: The objectives of this study are to examine the effects of ethnicity,
 gender, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI, omeprazole), on the human gut microbiome. PPIs are
 commonly used for the treatment of acid-related disorders. The investigators hypothesize that
 PPI therapy might perturb microbial communities and alter the gut microbiome.

 Methods: Healthy subjects of Chinese (n=12), Malay (n=12) and Indian (n=10) ancestry, aged
 21-37 years old, were enrolled. They were required to provide a baseline stool sample (Day 1)
 and were then given a course of omeprazole at therapeutic dose (20 mg daily) for a duration
 of 7 days. Stool samples were collected again on Day 7 and Day 14 (one week after stopping
 omeprazole). Microbial DNA was extracted from the stool samples. This was followed by PCR,
 library construction, 16S rRNA sequencing using Illumina MiSEQ, and statistical and
 bioinformatics analyses.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. Provision of signed written informed consent,

 2. Aged between 21-35 years of age,

 3. Chinese, Malay or Indian ancestry through three generations,

 4. Clinical laboratory assessment results within normal limits, unless the deviation is
 considered not clinically significant by the investigator,

 5. Subject is healthy with no clinically significant disease or condition as determined
 through their medical history, physical examination, and results from clinical
 laboratory tests that are performed within 2 weeks before the baseline visit at Day 1,

 6. Ability to communicate with the investigator and to understand and comply with all
 requirements of study participation.

 7. Female subjects must be in the first half of their menstrual cycle (i.e. 1 to 14 days
 after the end of the previous menstruation) at Research Study entry.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Any acute illness within 2 weeks before Day 1, unless otherwise approved by the PI,

 2. Presence of chronic illnesses e.g. diabetes, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease,
 etc., which, in the opinion of the investigator, could compromise the data of the
 study,

 3. Subjects who declare themselves positive for HIV or viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B,
 C),

 4. Treatment within the previous 3 months with antibiotics,

 5. Treatment with any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or herbal
 supplements within 4 weeks of Day 1 unless approved by the PI,

 6. Consumption of probiotics or lactobacillus-containing products e.g. Yakult, Vitagen or
 Yogurt within 4 weeks of Day 1 unless approved by the PI,

 7. Abnormal biochemistry indicators,

 8. Poor peripheral venous access,

 9. Involvement in the planning or conduct of this study,

 10. Irregular bowel habits or complains of constipation problem.