Browsing by Author "Sampaio, Adriana"
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- Assessing the impact of binge drinking and a prebiotic intervention on the gut–brain axis in young adults: protocol for a randomised controlled trialPublication . Martins, Diogo Prata; Nobre, Clarisse; Antunes, Natália Almeida; Azevedo, Pedro; Sousa, Sónia S.; Crego, Alberto; Cryan, John; Sampaio, Adriana; Carbia, Carina; Caneda, Eduardo LópezAdolescence and youth are periods of significant maturational changes, which seem to involve greater susceptibility to disruptive events in the brain, such as binge drinking (BD). This pattern—characterised by repeated episodes of alcohol intoxication—is of particular concern, as it has been associated with significant alterations in the developing brain. Recent evidence indicates that alcohol may also induce changes in gut microbiota composition and that such disturbances can lead to impairments in both brain function and behaviour. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that microbiota-targeted interventions (psychobiotics) may help mitigate alcohol-induced damage in individuals with chronic alcohol use, positively influencing cognitive and brain functioning. However, the triadic relationship between BD, gut microbiota and brain structure/function, as well as the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota-targeted interventions in young binge drinkers, remains largely unexplored. This double-blind, parallel, randomised controlled study aims to evaluate whether a BD pattern disrupts gut microbiota diversity in young college students (primary outcome). Additionally, it seeks to determine whether alcohol-induced alterations in the microbial composition and function are associated with immunological, cognitive, neurostructural and neurofunctional impairments (secondary outcomes). A total of 82 college students (36 non/low drinkers and 46 binge drinkers (BDs)), matched for age and sex, will be recruited from the University of Minho (Portugal). During the pre-intervention phase, all participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment protocol, including gut microbiota profiling, measurement of inflammatory markers, neuropsychological testing and structural and functional MRI. BDs will then be randomly assigned to a 6-week intervention with either a prebiotic (inulin) or a placebo (maltodextrin). Post-intervention assessment will mirror the baseline protocol, and craving and alcohol use will be monitored for 3 months. The present protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee for Social and Human Sciences of the University of Minho (CEICSH 078/2022), ensuring compliance with national and international ethical guidelines, including the Declaration of Helsinki. Participation is voluntary and preceded by informed consent, with confidentiality and data processing safeguarded in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. All procedures are safe and non-invasive, and the prebiotics used are recognised as food ingredients in Europe, hold Generally Recognized as Safe status in the USA and are classified as dietary fibres by the Food and Drug Administration. Findings will be disseminated in national and international scientific forums, with preference for publication in open-access, peer-reviewed journals.
- From abstainers to dependent drinkers: Alcohol consumption patterns and risk factors among portuguese university studentsPublication . Saldanha, Lucas; Crego, Alberto; Antunes, Natália Almeida; Rodrigues, Rui; Sampaio, Adriana; Caneda, Eduardo LopezAlcohol is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance worldwide. In Portugal, alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in social and cultural practices, contributing to high prevalence rates among university students, with binge drinking emerging as a predominant consumption pattern. Despite the associations between this drinking behaviour and numerous social, physical, and psychological problems, research on alcohol consumption in Portuguese university populations remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of alcohol use patterns among a large sample of Portuguese university students, focusing on adolescents and young adults. A total of 1,746 students, aged 17-24 years, were surveyed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and additional questionnaires regarding socio-demographic information, alcohol and illicit drug use, smoking habits, and alcohol cravings. Students were classified into five drinking groups: Abstainers (16.8%), Moderate Drinkers (35.1%), Hazardous Drinkers (25.8%), Binge Drinkers (20.8%), and Dependent Drinkers (1.5%). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and multinomial logistic regressions to obtain Odds Ratios (ORs) for group membership. Alcohol consumption was reported by 83.2% of students over the past year. Nearly 47% of students revealed harmful drinking patterns, and 1.5% exhibited symptoms of alcohol dependence. A progressive increase in the severity of alcohol consumption characteristics was observed across the groups, with Dependent Drinkers reporting the highest levels overall. Significant predictors of group membership included polydrug use, standard weekly consumption, earlier drinking onset, and higher levels of alcohol craving. Polydrug use, reported by 27.3% of students, was the strongest predictor for being a Hazardous Drinker (OR = 10.75), Binge Drinker (OR = 13.20), and Dependent Drinker (OR = 21.40). Binge Drinkers displayed standard weekly consumption and craving levels comparable to Dependent Drinkers, while Moderate Drinkers exhibited the least risky patterns, including a later age of onset of drinking. Male students reported significantly greater consumption and craving levels than their female peers. This study highlights the prevalence of harmful drinking behaviours among Portuguese university students and identifies critical risk factors, such as polydrug use and early drinking onset. These findings underscore the need for prevention programmes focused on delaying the onset of alcohol use, reducing polydrug use, and promoting healthier behaviours within academic settings.