MMP-9-BDNF pathway is implicated in cognitive impairment of male individuals with methamphetamine addiction during early withdrawal.

Cognitive impairment is often concomitant with current and abstinent methamphetamine (METH) misuse. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment induced by METH remains unclear. As evidence indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with METH addiction, the present study aimed to investigate whether BDNF and the proteins regulating the BDNF signaling pathway might be implicated in the cognitive impairment of the METH abusers during early withdrawal.