Biotin Mitigates Alcohol Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety and Depression by Regulating Serotonin Metabolism, BDNF, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Introduction: Substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorders, represent a significant public health problem, with adolescents particularly vulnerable to their adverse effects. This study examined the possible anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of biotin, a crucial vitamin for brain function, in attenuating the behavioral and neurobiological changes associated with alcohol withdrawal in adolescent rats.

Materials and methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a 20% ethanol solution for 21 days, followed by a 21-day drug-free period to assess long-term behavioral and physiological changes. Behavioral assessments included the Open Field Test, Elevated Plus Maze, and Forced Swimming Test, administered post-withdrawal to evaluate anxiety and depression behaviors. Additionally, biochemical analyses were performed to measure serotonin levels, monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) activity, and BDNF concentrations.

Results: The results indicate that ethanol withdrawal significantly induced anxiety- and depression-like behavior in the rats. However, treatment with biotin, particularly at higher doses, effectively attenuated these withdrawal-related behavioral changes. Mechanistically, biotin administration was found to regulate serotonin levels, monoamine oxidase activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and alleviate oxidative stress markers in cortical tissue.

Discussion: The results of this study suggest that biotin may have therapeutic potential for alleviating the negative effects of alcohol withdrawal, particularly those related to anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and examine the clinical effects of biotin supplementation for individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal.