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The Microbiome-Gut-Brain axis regulates social cognition & craving in young binge drinkers
The severity of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has recently been connected to microbiome changes, suggesting that the gut microbiome may play a role in the development of AUDs. The act of consuming an excessive amount of alcohol quickly is known as binge drinking. Binge drinking is frequently seen in the critical adolescent growth stage. In AUD, as well as a myriad of dietary behavioral disorders, a significant relationship between microbiome composition and socioemotional functioning has also been found. In this study by Carbia et al. (2023), the authors examined a population of 71 young individuals (ages 18 to 25) to explore the possible relationships (and their predictive values) between the changes in microbial profile caused by alcohol and social cognition, impulsivity, and desire. Firstly, study participants completed a neuropsychological assessment. Next, at baseline and three-month marks, craving was assessed while the diet was taken into account. To investigate inflammation, kynurenine, and cortisol, samples of blood, saliva, and hair were collected. Analysis of the results revealed that cravings and changes in the microbiome’s composition and neuroactive potential over time were strongly correlated with binge drinking. Excessive drinking was found to lead to specific microbiome changes and issues with emotional awareness. Several microbiome species have been linked to emotional processing and impulsivity. The authors demonstrate through their findings the changes observed in the gut microbiota of young binge drinkers (BDs) and pinpoint the earliest desire signals. The authors discuss that their results may have implications for novel gut-derived therapies aimed at reducing early alcohol-related changes during the vulnerable adolescent years. The rising body of research on the gut microbiome as a regulator of social cognition is further supported by associations between emotional processing and microbiome makeup. [NPID: Microbiome, social cognition, binge drinking, adolescence, gut brain axis]
Year: 2023
