Investigating the Gut Microbiome, Metabolomic Signatures, and Metabolic Dysfunction in Antipsychotic Naïve Patients

Antipsychotics (APs) are the treatment cornerstone for psychotic spectrum disorders (PSDs) but have severe metabolic side-effects. Gut microbiome (GMB) and metabolomic profiling may explain these. This thesis comprises two 12-week studies. In study one, 6 AP-naïve (cases) and 6 healthy participants (HCs) completed baseline GMB and metabolic assessments, repeated at 6 and 12 weeks for cases. At baseline, alpha diversity and genera level differences were found between groups. Over the three months of AP treatment, genera changes were observed and a positive correlation between triglycerides and Actinobacteria change was noted. In study two, 24 cases and 5 HCs completed metabolomic and metabolic assessments. Cases had lower acylcarnitine levels and differences in fatty acids compared to HCs. Baseline aspartic acid was higher for cases who gained weight. The GMB and metabolome may provide biomarkers for PSDs, intrinsic metabolic abnormalities, and help predict/monitor AP induced metabolic side-effects.M.Sc