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Lee JE, Walton D, O’Connor CP, Wammes M, Burton JP, Osuch EA. Drugs, Guts, Brains, but Not Rock and Roll: The Need to Consider the Role of Gut Microbiota in Contemporary Mental Health and Wellness of Emerging Adults. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126643. [PMID: 35743087 PMCID: PMC9223871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging adulthood (ages 18–25) is a critical period for neurobiological development and the maturation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Recent findings also suggest that a natural perturbation of the gut microbiota (GM), combined with other factors, may create a unique vulnerability during this period of life. The GM of emerging adults is thought to be simpler, less diverse, and more unstable than either younger or older people. We postulate that this plasticity in the GM suggests a role in the rising mental health issues seen in westernized societies today via the gut–brain–microbiota axis. Studies have paid particular attention to the diversity of the microbiota, the specific function and abundance of bacteria, and the production of metabolites. In this narrative review, we focus specifically on diet, physical activity/exercise, substance use, and sleep in the context of the emerging adult. We propose that this is a crucial period for establishing a stable and more resilient microbiome for optimal health into adulthood. Recommendations will be made about future research into possible behavioral adjustments that may be beneficial to endorse during this critical period to reduce the probability of a “dysbiotic” GM and the emergence and severity of mental health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Eun Lee
- London Health Science Centre—Victoria Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, B8-102, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
| | - David Walton
- Rm. EC1443 School of Physical Therapy, 1201 Western Rd., London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada;
| | - Colleen P. O’Connor
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON N6G 1H2, Canada;
| | - Michael Wammes
- London Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 860 Richmond Street, FEMAP, London, ON N6A 3H8, Canada;
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Departments of Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology, Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Elizabeth A. Osuch
- London Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 860 Richmond Street, FEMAP, London, ON N6A 3H8, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +519-646-6000 (ext. 65188)
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Spielmans GI. Re-Analyzing Phase III Bremelanotide Trials for "Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder" in Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:1085-1105. [PMID: 33678061 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1885601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Kingsberg et al. described results from two 24-week Phase III trials of bremelanotide for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. 72.72% of protocol-listed outcomes were not reported by Kingsberg et al., who provided results of 15 secondary measures which were not listed in the study protocols. None of their efficacy outcomes were reported in line with CONSORT data reporting standards and no secondary outcome had a stated rationale or cited evidence of validity. My meta-analysis of the trials' data, based on the FDA New Drug Application, found similar results to Kingsberg et al. However, Kingsberg et al. did not report that a) adverse event-induced study discontinuation was substantially higher on bremelanotide: OR = 11.98, 95% CI = 3.74-38.37, NNH: 6 or b) participants preferred placebo, measured by the combination of both 1) completing a clinical trial and 2) electing to participate in the follow-up open-label study (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = .24-.38, NNH: 4). Bremelanotide's modest benefits on incompletely reported post-hoc measures of questionable validity in combination with participants substantially preferring to take placebo suggest that the drug is generally not useful. Kingsberg et al.'s data reporting and measurement practices were incomplete and lacked transparency.
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