1- Department of Biology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 3- Microbiology Research Center (MRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran - Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran , d.siadat@gmail.com
Abstract: (123 Views)
Background: The current public health crisis resulting from opioid use disorder has been exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, leading to a rise in overdose cases. To mitigate the harmful effects of fentanyl abuse, the identification of new biological markers and therapeutic strategies is essential. Materials and methods: The present study investigated the effect of fecal bacteria on controlling the consequences of fentanyl abuse in the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota and related inflammatory responses in a rat model using absolute and relative Real-time PCR techniques. Results: In the fentanyl-treated group, the frequency of Clostridium (P=0.69) and Bacteroides (P=0.04) increased, while the frequency of Faecalibacterium (P=0.149) and Lactobacillus (P=0.44) decreased. Faecalibacterium gavage significantly increased the frequency of Faecalibacterium (P=0.0074) and Lactobacillus (P=0.165), while reducing the frequency of Clostridium (P=0.166) and Bacteroides (P=0.013). Elevated levels of gastrointestinal inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β (P=0.01), TNF-α (P=0.083), and IL-6 (P=0.17) in the fentanyl-dependent group, confirm the presence of gastrointestinal inflammation in response to opioid exposure. Control of gastrointestinal inflammation was observed as a result of Faecalibacterium gavage (P=0.0004). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the relationship between fentanyl abuse, gut bacteria, and inflammation. Changes in specific bacterial species may lead to increased gastrointestinal inflammation, and modifying the gut microbiota population may offer operative strategies to more effectively control the fentanyl abuse, as well as other opioids.
Ferdosnejad K, Maghami P, Zarrindast M, Siadat S D. The effect of Faecalibacterium on the gastrointestinal microbiota pattern and inflammatory responses in a fentanyl-dependent rat model. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2025; 35 (2) :119-128 URL: http://tmuj.iautmu.ac.ir/article-1-2351-en.html