Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on the gut microbiota and metabolites in rat intestines

MDMA affects the gut microbiota and intestinal metabolite profiles in male rats after repeated dosing. In a 14-day study with daily oral MDMA (10 mg/kg/day), researchers observed significant shifts in gut microbiota across the small intestine, cecum, and colon, with region-specific differences. Functional changes were suggested by PICRUSt2 pathway predictions, while untargeted metabolomics showed MDMA significantly altered colon metabolite levels. Two metabolites, ferulic acid and methylmalonic acid, changed in the colon, and methylmalonic acid levels positively correlated with Lawsonibacter and Oscillibacter. The results support a link between MDMA-induced microbiome changes across intestinal regions and potential pharmacological effects relevant to mental health research.