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Roles of gut and oral microbiota in methamphetamine-induced multi-organ toxicity

Jiebin Rong1, Jingshen Zhuang2, Jialong Xu1

  • 1Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.

Cell Biology and Toxicology
|May 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse disrupts gut and oral microbiota, altering metabolites and contributing to multi-organ damage. Targeting these microbial changes offers a promising therapeutic strategy for METH addiction and toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely used illicit stimulant associated with addiction and multi-organ damage.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying METH toxicity are not fully understood.
  • Gut and oral microbiota influence host health, including behavior, metabolism, and immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the bidirectional relationship between METH and gut/oral microbiota.
  • To explore the role of microbial metabolites in METH addiction and toxicity.
  • To identify potential microbiota-targeted therapeutic strategies for METH abuse.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on METH, gut microbiota, and oral microbiota.
  • Analysis of studies investigating METH's impact on microbial composition and metabolite production.
  • Examination of evidence for microbiota-based interventions in mitigating METH toxicity.

Main Results:

  • METH disrupts intestinal microbiota, altering key metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indole derivatives, and inosine.
  • Increased levels of trimethylamine N-oxide and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are observed with METH use.
  • Gut microbiota metabolites mediate METH-induced toxicity through oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage.

Conclusions:

  • Gut and oral microbiota play a significant role in METH addiction and multi-organ toxicity.
  • Microbiota-targeted therapies, including probiotics and SCFAs, show potential in mitigating METH-related damage.
  • Further research into the gut-organ axis and microbial metabolites is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Keywords:
AddictionGut microbiotaMethamphetamineMulti-organ toxicityOral microbiota

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