Neuroimaging of chronic MDMA (“ecstasy”) effects: A meta-analysis
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – November 12, 2018
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Chronic MDMA users exhibit significantly reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) density in eight out of thirteen brain regions, based on a meta-analysis of 16 studies with 356 users and 311 controls. Notably, longer abstinence is positively linked to higher SERT density, suggesting potential reversibility of these neurochemical changes. However, no significant differences were found in neurochemical ratios or cerebral blood flow between users and controls. The findings highlight the complex interplay between MDMA use patterns and brain health, emphasizing the need for further exploration in this area.
Abstract
In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the evidence from neuroimaging studies for chronic alterations in the brains of MDMA users. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from inception to August 24, 2018, without any language restriction. Sixteen independent studies comprising 356 MDMA users and 311 controls were included. Of these, five studies investigated frontal and occipital N-acetylaspartate/creatine and myo-inositol/creatine ratios, three studies assessed basal ganglia blood flow and ten studies investigated serotonin transporter (SERT) density in various regions. We found significantly decreased SERT density in eight of 13 investigated regions. Meta-regression indicated a positive association with abstinence, but none with lifetime episodes of use. Therefore, other variables (such as doses taken per occasion) might be more important determinants. Positive associations between time of abstinence and SERT density might indicate that these alterations are reversible to some extent. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between user and control groups in terms of neurochemical ratios in the frontal and occipital lobes and blood flow in the basal ganglia. Overall, MDMA user groups showed heavy use patterns and study quality was poor.