Neurosteroids and Oxytocin Levels Linked to Methamphetamine Addiction Behaviors

Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD) is a severe chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by intense drug craving, heightened aggression, and significant difficulties in emotion regulation. These behavioral symptoms contribute to poor treatment outcomes and high relapse rates. While the neurobiological underpinnings are complex, the role of specific endogenous compounds remains underexplored. This study addresses the crucial knowledge gap regarding the relationship between serum neurosteroids and oxytocin levels and these challenging behavioral aspects in patients with MUD.

The study revealed significant differences and correlations between neurosteroid and oxytocin levels and behavioral metrics in MUD patients. Patients with MUD exhibited significantly lower serum oxytocin levels (28% lower, p<0.001) and reduced allopregnanolone concentrations (19% lower, p=0.004) compared to healthy controls. A strong inverse correlation was observed between serum allopregnanolone levels and scores on the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (r = -0.48, p<0.001), indicating that lower neurosteroid levels were associated with higher aggression. >The most striking finding was that lower serum oxytocin levels were significantly associated with both increased craving (r = -0.55, p<0.001) and greater difficulties in emotion regulation (r = -0.42, p=0.002) in the MUD group. Furthermore, lower DHEA levels were also significantly correlated with higher VASC scores (p=0.003), suggesting a multifaceted neuroendocrine dysregulation in MUD.