Imaging neuroinflammation in individuals with substance use disorders.

Increasing evidence suggests a role of neuroinflammation in substance use disorders (SUDs). This Review presents findings from neuroimaging studies assessing brain markers of inflammation in vivo in individuals with SUDs. Most studies investigated the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) using PET; neuroimmune markers myo-inositol, choline-containing compounds, and N-acetyl aspartate using magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and fractional anisotropy using MRI.

Pharmacokinetic effects of a single-dose nutritional ketone ester supplement on brain ketone and glucose metabolism in alcohol use disorder - a pilot study.

Introduction: Acute alcohol intake decreases brain glucose metabolism and increases brain uptake of acetate, a metabolite of alcohol. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) show elevated brain acetate metabolism at the expense of glucose, a shift in energy utilization that persists beyond acute intoxication. We recently reported that nutritional ketosis and administration of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source to glucose reduce alcohol withdrawal severity and alcohol craving in AUD.

Hippocampal volume loss in individuals with a history of non-fatal opioid overdose.

Incidence of opioid-related overdoses in the United States has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Despite public emphasis on overdose fatalities, most overdose cases are not fatal. Although there are case reports of amnestic syndromes and acute injury to the hippocampus following non-fatal opioid overdose, the effects of such overdoses on brain structure are poorly understood.