Methcathinone exposure alters host behavior and gut microbiota community in zebrafish

Drug addiction can lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which further alters host metabolism and regulates host behavior through the brain-gut axis. Methcathinone (MCAT) is a novel addictive drug, and its effects on the gut microbiota and brain-gut axis are still unclear. This study aimed to determine the alteration of host behavior and gut microbiota community in zebrafish under methcathinone exposure.We found that after the administration of MCAT, the zebrafish was anxious and aggressive, with hyperlocomotion, and the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota significantly decreased. Additionally, the composition of the gut microbiota shifted. These alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota further led to changes in their metabolic pathways, some of which might be related to the behavioral response induced by MCAT.