RATIONALE: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are popular drugs for gastroesophageal reflux, which are now available for long-term use without medical supervision. Recent reports suggest that PPI use is associated with cardiovascular, renal, and neurological morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term effect of PPIs on endothelial dysfunction and senescence and investigate the mechanism involved in PPI-induced vascular dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chronic exposure to PPIs impaired endothelial function and accelerated human endothelial senescence by reducing telomere length. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may provide a unifying mechanism for the association of PPI use with increased risk of cardiovascular, renal, and neurological morbidity and mortality.
