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Associations between impulsivity and fecal microbiota in individuals abstaining from methamphetamine

Wen Liu1, Linzi Liu1, Zijing Deng1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|February 29, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methamphetamine abuse increases impulsivity by altering gut microbiota. Abstinence and microbiota-gut-brain axis interventions show promise for treating methamphetamine addiction and impulsivity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a significant public health issue.
  • Impulsivity is a key factor in MA addiction, acting as both a risk factor and a consequence.
  • The microbiota-gut-brain axis is implicated in MA-induced impulsivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in impulsivity and fecal microbiota in MA abusers.
  • To explore the association between impulsivity and microbiota during MA abstinence.
  • To elucidate the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in MA addiction.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 62 MA addicts and 50 healthy controls.
  • Analyzed fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing.
  • Followed 25 MA abusers during a 2-month abstinence period.

Main Results:

  • MA abusers exhibited elevated impulsivity and gut dysbiosis (increased pathogens, decreased probiotics).
  • Impulsivity and microbiota disruptions showed signs of recovery with longer MA abstinence.
  • A significant relationship was found between impulsivity and microbiota, with microbiota mediating MA's effect on impulsivity.

Conclusions:

  • Abstinence is crucial for recovery in MA addiction.
  • The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a significant role in the link between microbiota and behavior.
  • Targeting the gut microbiota may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for impulsivity associated with MA addiction.
Keywords:
abstentionimpulsivitymethamphetaminemicrobiotamicrobiota-gut-brain axis

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