Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Indoxyl Sulfate Concentrations in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) are produced by the microbiota and the liver, and can contribute to brain aging and impaired cognitive function. This study aims to examine serum TMAO and IS concentrations in patients with alcohol-use disorder (AUD) at the entry for alcohol withdrawal, and the relationships with several biological, neuropsychological, and clinical parameters.

TMAO and IS were quantified in thirty AUD inpatients and fifteen healthy controls (HC). The severities of AUD and alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), and general cognitive abilities were assessed in AUD patients.

TMAO concentrations did not differ between HC and AUD patients. Several biomarkers assessing nutritional status and liver function were significantly different in AUD patients with the lowest TMAO concentrations compared to other AUD patients. IS concentration was significantly lower in AUD patients and a significant positive predictor of serum prealbumin variation during the acute phase of alcohol withdrawal. No relationship was observed between the concentrations of these metabolites and the severities of alcohol dependence, AWS, or cognitive deficits.

Our data suggest that AUD patients with low concentrations of TMAO or IS should probably benefit from a personalized refeeding program during the acute phase of alcohol withdrawal.