Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging
January 2025
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a multifactorial disease closely related to neurodevelopment and environmental factors that influence behavior. This study explored the relationships between brain volume and behavior from an Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) based on the Research Domain Criteria. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from recent patients with AUD (n = 50) and healthy controls (HC=50).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Mu-opioid receptors (MORs) are G-coupled protein receptors with a high affinity for both endogenous and exogenous opioids. MORs are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral organs, and the immune system. They mediate pain and reward and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of opioid, cocaine, and other substance use disorders.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe human brain consists of functionally segregated networks, characterized by strong connections among regions belonging to the same network and weak connections between those of different networks. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with premature brain aging and neurocognitive impairments. Given the link between decreased brain network segregation and age-related cognitive decline, we hypothesized lower brain segregation in patients with AUD than healthy controls (HCs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNon-fatal opioid overdoses are associated with significant morbidity. Hypoxic brain injury caused by opioid-induced respiratory depression is a key mechanism of such morbidity. For example, reports describe an amnestic syndrome in opioid users associated with acute injury to the hippocampus, a brain region that is highly susceptible to hypoxic injury.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOpioid use disorder (OUD) has been linked to macroscopic structural alterations in the brain. The monthly injectable, extended-release formulation of μ-opioid antagonist naltrexone (XR-NTX) is highly effective in reducing opioid craving and preventing opioid relapse. Here, we investigated the neuroanatomical effects of XR-NTX by examining changes in cortical thickness during treatment for OUD.
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