Gut microbiome profiles may be related to atypical antipsychotic associated overweight in Asian children with psychiatric disorder: a preliminary study

Abstract

ObjectiveAtypical antipsychotics (APs) modify the gut microbiome, and weight gain in response to AP could be mediated by the gut microbiome. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the changes in the gut bacterial microbiome in AP-exposed children with obesity.MethodsTo rule out the confounder of AP indication, the gut bacterial microbiome was compared between healthy controls (Con) and AP-exposed individuals with overweight (APO) or normal weight (APN). Fifty-seven AP-treated outpatients (21 APO and 36 APN) and 25 Con were included in this cross-sectional microbiota study.ResultsAP users, regardless of body mass index, exhibited decreased microbial richness and diversity and a distinct metagenomic composition compared to the Con. Although no differences in the microbiota structure were observed between APO and APN groups, the APO group was characterised by a higher abundance of Megamonas and Lachnospira. Additionally, the differences in the microbial functions were observed between APO and APN groups.ConclusionsThe gut bacterial microbiota of APO children revealed taxonomic and functional differences compared to Con and APN. Further studies are needed to verify these findings and to explore the temporal and causal relationships between these variables.

The atypical antipsychotic lurasidone positively modulates the gut microbiota in rats: A comparative study to olanzapine

“…The underlying mechanism behind this is suggested to be due to changes to the gut microbiota which potentiate an obesogenic profile. This has led to the proposition that all antipsychotics are detrimental to metabolic functioning and the gut microbiota (Davey et al, 2013; Hao et al, 2023; Minichino et al, 2023; Munawar et al, 2021; Pochiero et al, 2021; Qian et al, 2023; Seeman, 2021). Lurasidone, another atypical second-generation antipsychotic, has received lesser investigation with its impact of body weight and metabolic function not fully understood.…”

“…Finally, the study highlights need for further exploration into the varying impacts of antipsychotics on the gut and metabolic health, dissuading the notion that most antipsychotics uniformly and adversely disrupt the gut microbiota (Cussotto et al, 2019; Davey et al, 2013; Greger et al, 2021; Hao et al, 2023; A. C.-C. Kao, Spitzer, et al, 2018, 2018; Minichino et al, 2023; Munawar et al, 2021).…”

“…For example, Tomizawa et al analysed 246 stool samples from 40 patients to uncover a dose-dependent generalised decrease in phylogenic, whole-tree and beta diversity indices (all indicative of a dysbiotic gut microbial profile) in patients administered antipsychotics (Tomizawa et al, 2021). Such findings have led to the overall notion that all psychotropics adversely impact the gut microbiota (Ait Chait et al, 2021, 2023; Cussotto et al, 2019; Hao et al, 2023; Minichino et al, 2023; Munawar et al, 2021; Seeman, 2021; Tomizawa et al, 2021).…”