Metabolomics profiling of methamphetamine addicted human serum and three rat brain areas

Effects of a synthetic cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA, on metabolites and glutamatergic transporters in U87 cell line

Brian metabolic pathways have been impaired in animals exposed to drugs of abuse. The misuse of cannabinoids is associated with neuronal death and synaptic plasticity. Astrocytic glutamate transporters are therapeutic targets in several preclinical models of substance use disorders. Abused drugs could impair metabolic pathways in animal models, particularly those involving astrocytes, where glutamate transporters are critical regulators of neurotransmission. We here aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile of a human glioblastoma cell line following exposure a synthetic cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA (5F-M-P), using an in vitro cell model (U87, glioblastoma astrocytic origin cell line). Additionally, we evaluated the effects of 5F-M-P on the expression of astrocytic glutamate transporters. After treatments, the cells were collected for metabolomic study using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and protein expression study using western blotting assay. 5F-M-P, especially at a concentration of 100 μM, altered the abundance of numerous metabolites. Enrichment analysis identified that specific signaling pathways were involved in the effects of 5F-M-P on metabolites, including the glutamate neurotransmission pathway. Additionally, 5F-M-P at 200 μM reduced the expression of glutamate transporter-1 and glutamate-aspartate co-transporter. Therefore, 5F-M-P exposure altered key metabolic pathways in astrocytes including glutamatergic pathways, an effect associated with reduced astrocytic glutamate transporter expression.

Unraveling the mechanisms of propofol-induced psychological dependence: a multi-omics approach linked to gut microbiota in hippocampal function

Introduction

Drug abuse is becoming a global public health crisis. According to the United Nations, the number of drug users worldwide has increased dramatically over the past decade, with a surge in the number of drug abusers. The problem was exacerbated by the expanding market for illicit drugs and the increasing availability of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl. Clinical drug abuse is a problem that requires particular attention, and the potential addictive properties of some drugs and their mechanisms of action are currently unknown, which limits the development and implementation of drug addiction intervention strategies.

Methods

Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used as study subjects. A mental dependence model was established using the conditional position preference experiment (CPP), and the hippocampal tissues of the model mice were subjected to RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing, LC-MS non-targeted metabolome sequencing, and intestinal macro-genome sequencing in order to discover propofol mental dependence signature genes. Correlation analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics were performed using the Spearman method, and gene-metabolite networks were mapped using Cytoscape software. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunoprotein blotting (Western blotting) methods were used to validate the characterized genes.

Results

After the conditioned position preference experiment, the conditioned preference scores of the 75 mg/kg propofol and 2 g/kg alcohol groups were significantly higher than those of the control saline group. 152 differential genes and 214 differential metabolites were identified in the 75 mg/kg group. Cluster analysis revealed that changes in the neuroactive ligand receptor pathway were most pronounced. Gut microbiomics assays revealed significant changes in five differential enterobacterial phyla (Campylobacter phylum, Thick-walled phylum, Anaplasma phylum, Actinobacteria phylum, and Chlorella verticillata phylum) in the 75 mg/kg propofol group, which may be related to changes in the differential expression of dopamine.

Discussion

These findings suggest that 75 mg/kg propofol has a significant mind-dependent effect on the biology of drug addiction through neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways in conjunction with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the metabolic pathways of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate that may influence intestinal microbial changes through bidirectional signaling.

Exploring the progression of drug dependence in a methamphetamine self-administration rat model through targeted and non-targeted metabolomics analyses

Persistent neurochemical and biological disturbances resulting from repeated cycles of drug reward, withdrawal, and relapse contribute to drug dependence. Methamphetamine (MA) is a psychostimulant with substantial abuse potential and neurotoxic effects, primarily affecting monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the brain. In this study, we aimed to explore the progression of drug dependence in rat models of MA self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement through targeted and non-targeted metabolomics analyses. Metabolic profiles were examined in rat plasma during the following phases: after 16 days of MA self-administration (Group M); after 16 days of self-administration followed by 14 days of extinction (Group MS); and after self-administration and extinction followed by a reinstatement injection of MA (Group MSM). Each group of MA self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement induces distinct changes in the metabolic pathways, particularly those related to the TCA cycle, arginine and proline metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. Additionally, the downregulation of glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelins in Group MSM suggests their potential role in MA reinstatement. These alterations may signify the progressive deterioration of these metabolic pathways, possibly contributing to drug dependence following repeated cycles of drug reward, withdrawal, and relapse. These results provide valuable insights into the metabolic changes associated with MA use at various stages, potentially facilitating the discovery of early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MA use disorders.

Neuroinflammation and Neurometabolomic Profiling in Fentanyl Overdose Mouse Model Treated with Novel β-Lactam, MC-100093, and Ceftriaxone

Opioid-related deaths are attributed to overdoses, and fentanyl overdose has been on the rise in many parts of the world, including the USA. Glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) has been identified as a therapeutic target in several preclinical models of substance use disorders, and β-lactams effectively enhance its expression and function. In the current study, we characterized the metabolomic profile of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in fentanyl-overdose mouse models, and we evaluated the protective effects of the functional enhancement of GLT-1 using β-lactams, ceftriaxone, and MC-100093. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control, fentanyl, fentanyl/ceftriaxone, and fentanyl/MC-100093. While the control group was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with normal saline simultaneously with other groups, all fentanyl groups were i.p. injected with 1 mg/kg of fentanyl as an overdose after habituation with four repetitive non-consecutive moderate doses (0.05 mg/kg) of fentanyl for a period of seven days. MC-100093 (50 mg/kg) and ceftriaxone (200 mg/kg) were i.p. injected from days 5 to 9. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for metabolomics, and Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of target proteins. Y-maze spontaneous alternation performance and the open field activity monitoring system were used to measure behavioral manifestations. Fentanyl overdose altered the abundance of about 30 metabolites, reduced the expression of GLT-1, and induced the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TLR-4 in the NAc. MC-100093 and ceftriaxone attenuated the effects of fentanyl-induced downregulation of GLT-1 and upregulation of IL-6; however, only ceftriaxone attenuated fentanyl-induced upregulation of TRL4 expression. Both of the β-lactams attenuated the effects of fentanyl overdose on locomotor activities but did not induce significant changes in the overall metabolomic profile. Our findings revealed that the exposure to a high dose of fentanyl causes alterations in key metabolic pathways in the NAc. Pretreatment with ceftriaxone and MC-100093 normalized fentanyl-induced downregulation of GLT-1 expression with subsequent attenuation of neuroinflammation as well as the hyperactivity, indicating that β-lactams may be promising drugs for treating fentanyl use disorder.

Variations in the oral microbiome and metabolome of methamphetamine users

Drug addiction can seriously damage human physical and mental health, while detoxification is a long and difficult process. Although studies have reported changes in the oral microbiome of methamphetamine (METH) users, the role that the microbiome plays in the process of drug addiction is still unknown. This study aims to explore the function of the microbiome based on analysis of the variations in the oral microbiome and metabolome of METH users. We performed the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis based on the oral saliva samples collected from 278 METH users and 105 healthy controls (CTL). In addition, the untargeted metabolomic profiling was conducted based on 220 samples. Compared to the CTL group, alpha diversity was reduced in the group of METH users and the relative abundances of Peptostreptococcus and Gemella were significantly increased, while the relative abundances of Campylobacter and Aggregatibacter were significantly decreased. Variations were also detected in oral metabolic pathways, including enhanced tryptophan metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis. Conversely, the metabolic pathways of porphyrin metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and pentose phosphate were significantly reduced. It was speculated that four key microbial taxa, i.e., Peptostreptococcus, Gemella, Campylobacter, and Aggregatibacter, could be involved in the toxicity and addiction mechanisms of METH by affecting the above metabolic pathways. It was found that with the increase of drug use years, the content of tryptamine associated with neuropsychiatric disorders was gradually increased. Our study provides novel insights into exploring the toxic damage and addiction mechanisms underlying the METH addiction.IMPORTANCEIt was found that with the increase of drug use years, the content of tryptamine associated with neuropsychiatric disorders gradually increased. The prediction models based on oral microbiome and metabolome could effectively predict the methamphetamine (METH) smoking. Our study provides novel insights into the exploration of the molecular mechanisms regulating the toxic damage and addiction of METH as well as new ideas for early prevention and treatment strategies of METH addiction.

From metabolism to behaviour - Multilevel effects of environmental methamphetamine concentrations on fish

Methamphetamine (METH) is a concerning drug of abuse that produces strong psychostimulant effects. The use of this substance, along with the insufficient removal in the sewage treatment plants, leads to its occurrence in the environment at low concentrations. In this study, brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) were exposed to 1 μg/L of METH as environmental relevant concentration for 28 days in order to elucidate the complex effects resulting from the drug, including behaviour, energetics, brain and gonad histology, brain metabolomics, and their relations. Trout exposed to METH displayed lowered activity as well as metabolic rate (MR), an altered morphology of brain and gonads as well as changes in brain metabolome when compared to controls. Increased activity and MR were correlated to an increased incidence of histopathology in gonads (females - vascular fluid and gonad staging; males - apoptotic spermatozoa and peritubular cells) in exposed trout compared to controls. Higher amounts of melatonin in brain were detected in exposed fish compared to controls. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in locus coeruleus was related to the MR in exposed fish, but not in the control. Brain metabolomics indicated significant differences in 115 brain signals between control and METH exposed individuals, described by the coordinates within the principal component analyses (PCA) axes. These coordinates were subsequently used as indicators of a direct link between brain metabolomics, physiology, and behaviour - as activity and MR varied according to their values. Exposed fish showed an increased MR correlated with the metabolite position in PC1 axes, whereas the control had proportionately lower MR and PC1 coordinates. Our findings emphasize the possible complex disturbances in aquatic fauna on multiple interconnected levels (metabolism, physiology, behaviour) as a result of the presence of METH in aquatic environments. Thus, these outcomes can be useful in the development of AOP's (Adverse Outcome Pathways).

Sex-specific metabolic signatures in methamphetamine addicts

Methamphetamine (METH) is a commonly abused addictive psychostimulant, and METH-induced neurotoxic and behavioural deficits are in a sex-specific manner. However, there is lack of biomarkers to evaluate METH addiction in clinical practice, especially for gender differences. We utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to detect the serum metabolomics in METH addicts and controls, specially exploring the sex-specific metabolic alterations by METH abuse. We found that many differently expressed metabolites in METH addicts related to metabolisms of amino acid, energy, vitamin and neurological disorders. Further, METH abuse caused different patterns of metabolomics in a sex-specific manner. As to amino acid metabolism, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan and L-histidine in serum of male addicts and betaine in serum of female addicts were significantly changed by METH use. In addition, it seemed that purine and pyrimidine-related metabolites (e.g., xanthosine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate) in male and the metabolites of hormone (e.g., cortisol) and folate biosynthesis (e.g., 7,8-dihydrobiopterin and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) in female were more sensitive to METH addiction. Our findings revealed that L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate acid and citric acid may be potential biomarkers for monitoring METH addiction in clinic. Considering sex-specific toxicity by METH, the metabolites of purine and pyrimidine metabolism in male and those of stress-related hormones in female may be used to facilitate the accurate diagnosis and treatment for METH addicts of different genders.

Metabolic phenotyping of opioid and psychostimulant addiction: A novel approach for biomarker discovery and biochemical understanding of the disorder

Despite the progress in characterising the pharmacological profile of drugs of abuse, their precise biochemical impact remains unclear. The metabolome reflects the multifaceted biochemical processes occurring within a biological system. This includes those encoded in the genome but also those arising from environmental/exogenous exposures and interactions between the two. Using metabolomics, the biochemical derangements associated with substance abuse can be determined as the individual transitions from recreational drug to chronic use (dependence). By understanding the biomolecular perturbations along this time course and how they vary across individuals, metabolomics can elucidate biochemical mechanisms of the addiction cycle (dependence/withdrawal/relapse) and predict prognosis (recovery/relapse). In this review, we summarise human and animal metabolomic studies in the field of opioid and psychostimulant addiction. We highlight the importance of metabolomics as a powerful approach for biomarker discovery and its potential to guide personalised pharmacotherapeutic strategies for addiction targeted towards the individual's metabolome.

Revealing Metabolic Perturbation Following Heavy Methamphetamine Abuse by Human Hair Metabolomics and Network Analysis

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Drug addiction is not a static condition but rather a chronically relapsing disorder. Hair is a valuable and stable specimen for chronic toxicological monitoring as it retains toxicants and metabolites. The primary focus of this study was to discover the metabolic effects encompassing diverse pathological symptoms of MA addiction. Therefore, metabolic alterations were investigated in human hair following heavy MA abuse using both targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry and through integrated network analysis. The statistical analyses (t-test, variable importance on projection score, and receiver-operator characteristic curve) demonstrated that 32 metabolites (in targeted metabolomics) as well as 417 and 224 ion features (in positive and negative ionization modes of untargeted metabolomics, respectively) were critically dysregulated. The network analysis showed that the biosynthesis or metabolism of lipids, such as glycosphingolipids, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and ether lipids, as well as the metabolism of amino acids (glycine, serine and threonine; cysteine and methionine) is affected by heavy MA abuse. These findings reveal crucial metabolic effects caused by MA addiction, with emphasis on the value of human hair as a diagnostic specimen for determining drug addiction, and will aid in identifying robust diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.