Inflammatory biomarkers, microbiome, depression and executive dysfunction in alcohol users

Alcohol drinking is an important social activity in Latin American-Caribbean culture (LAC); as a result, alcohol-related disorders (ARD) are highly prevalent among LAC countries. Mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with ARD.We examined the utility of saliva samples for inflammation and microbiome analyses in ARD individuals and a control group. We also explored the associations among blood and saliva biomarkers of pro-inflammatory cytokines, vitamin D deficiency, insulin, leptin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) with depression, social anxiety and executive functions.