Altered Fecal Microbiota Correlated With Systemic Inflammation in Male Subjects With Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Abstract

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a major public health problem worldwide with limited effective treatment options. Previous studies have reported methamphetamine-associated alterations in gut microbiota. A potential role of gut microbiota in regulating methamphetamine-induced brain dysfunction through interactions with the host immune system has been proposed, but evidence for this hypothesis is limited. The present study aimed to investigate the alterations in the fecal microbiota and explore its relationship with systemic inflammation in MUD. Fecal samples were obtained from 26 male subjects with MUD and 17 sex- and age- matched healthy controls. Fecal microbial profiles were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Plasma inflammatory markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between fecal microbiota, systemic inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics were examined by Spearman partial correlation analysis while controlling for possible confounders. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with MUD showed no difference in fecal microbial diversity, but exhibited differences in the relative abundance of several microbial taxa. At the genus level, a higher abundance of Collinsella, Odoribacter and Megasphaera and lower levels of Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Dorea and Streptococcus were detected in subjects with MUD. More importantly, altered fecal microbiota was found to be correlated with plasma levels of CRP, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10. The order Lactobacillales, exhibiting lower abundance in participants with MUD, was positively related to the duration of methamphetamine abstinence and the plasma level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This study is the first to provide evidence for a link between altered fecal microbiota and systemic inflammation in MUD. Further elucidation of interactions between gut microbiota and the host immune system may be beneficial for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for MUD.

Altered dental plaque microbiota correlated with salivary inflammation in female methamphetamine users

“…Clinically, IL-10 has also been found to be associated with i m m u n e -m e d i a t e d in fl amma to ry d iseases su ch as in fl ammatory bowel disease ( 3 4) , sy st emic lu pus erythematosus (35) or rheumatoid arthritis (36), expounding the important immunomodulatory function of IL-10. Deng et al (9)found that Lactobacillales, which show low abundance in participants with methamphetamine use disorder, were positively related to the duration of methamphetamine abstinence and the plasma level of IL-10.…”

“…Deng et al. ( 9 )found that Lactobacillales, which show low abundance in participants with methamphetamine use disorder, were positively related to the duration of methamphetamine abstinence and the plasma level of IL-10.…”

“…Methamphetamine can change cellular components and restrain the ability of immune cells (7), increase the release of inflammatory molecules (cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules), and decrease anti-inflammatory cytokines (8). Deng D et al (9) provided evidence for a link between altered fecal microbiota and systemic inflammation in methamphetamine use disorder. Yang Y and Yu X et al (10) found that methamphetamine users had a significantly lower species richness, and exhibited higher relative abundance in several bacterial taxa that were known to be related to oral diseases in saliva microbiota.…”

“…Deng D et al. ( 9 )provided evidence for a link between altered fecal microbiota and systemic inflammation in methamphetamine use disorder. Yang Y and Yu X et al.…”

Potential roles of the gut microbiota in the manifestations of drug use disorders

“…The frequent use of addictive drugs intensifies their influence on GM, which will have lasting effects on users’ psychological and physiological functions. In addition, the gut sends signals to the brain through the production of neuroactive metabolites, signaling via the vagus nerve, and interactions with the immune system ( 56 , 57 ). This is a new way to understand the relationship between the GM and DUDs.…”