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World J Methodol. Mar 20, 2024; 14(1): 88519
Published online Mar 20, 2024. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i1.88519
Gut microbiome in alcohol use disorder: Implications for health outcomes and therapeutic strategies-a literature review
Ilias Koutromanos, Evangelia Legaki, Maria Gazouli, Efthimios Vasilopoulos, Anastasios Kouzoupis, Elias Tzavellas
Ilias Koutromanos, Efthimios Vasilopoulos, Anastasios Kouzoupis, Elias Tzavellas, First Department of Psychiatry, "Aiginition" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11528, Greece
Evangelia Legaki, Department of Basic Biological Science, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
Maria Gazouli, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
Author contributions: Koutromanos I, Gazouli M, Tzavellas E study conception and design; Koutromanos I, Legaki E, Vasilopoulos E, Kouzoupis A data collection; Gazouli M, Tzavellas E analysis and interpretation of results; Koutromanos I, Legaki E, Vasilopoulos E, Kouzoupis A draft manuscript preparation. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: There is no conflict of interest associated with any of the senior author or other coauthors contributed their efforts in this manuscript.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Maria Gazouli, PhD, Professor, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, No. 176 Michalakopoulou, Athens 11527, Greece. mgazouli@med.uoa.gr
Received: September 27, 2023
Peer-review started: September 27, 2023
First decision: December 7, 2023
Revised: December 22, 2023
Accepted: January 24, 2024
Article in press: January 24, 2024
Published online: March 20, 2024
Processing time: 162 Days and 0.1 Hours
Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a major public health issue which affects millions of people globally and consist a chronic relapsing condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and has emerged as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is intimately linked to the development and progression of AUD, with alcohol consumption directly impacting its composition and function. This review article aims to explore the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and AUD, focusing on the implications for mental health outcomes and potential therapeutic strategies. We discuss the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain, highlighting the role of microbiota-derived metabolites in neuroinflammation, neurotransmission, and mood regulation. Furthermore, we examine the influence of AUD-related factors, such as alcohol-induced gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, on mental health outcomes. Finally, we explore emerging therapeutic avenues targeting the gut microbiome in the management of AUD, including prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Understanding the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and AUD holds promise for developing novel interventions that could improve mental health outcomes in individuals with AUD.

Keywords: Alcohol use disorder; Gut microbiome; Dysbiosis

Core Tip: The emerging field of research on the gut microbiome’s role in alcohol use disorder (AUD) has revealed significant implications for health outcomes and potential therapeutic strategies. Alcohol consumption has profound effects on the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and increased systemic inflammation but their association has been found bidirectional. The gut microbiome represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of AUD, with dietary interventions such as probiotics and prebiotics, as well as fecal transplantation showing potential in improving gut dysbiosis and reducing inflammation.