Changes in the gut may be a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease

“This study presents additional evidence linking the GI tract and Parkinson’s disease and begs the question—is it possible that the bacteria that we normally have in our gut may be altered in PD and trigger the initial steps in the disease process?“ Dr. Patrik Brundin

Although scientists have known for a while that the bacteria in the gut—collectively known as microbiota—can affect normal processes in the brain and nervous system, it was not clear how they influenced the development of diseases such as Parkinson’s. This study addresses that issue and, using microbiota samples from people with Parkinson’s (obtained from feces) and transplanting them into mice, found that gut microbiota can promote inflammation, influence the activation of certain brain cells as well as the onset of motor problems, and the spread of alpha-synuclein, a protein that makes up Lewy bodies found the brains of people with Parkinson’s.

Further to this, the addition of microbiota from Parkinson’s donors in mice with existing excess alpha synuclein enhanced physical impairments compared to microbiota transplants from healthy donors. These findings suggest that gut bacteria can regulate movement disorders in mice and alterations in the human microbiome represent a risk factor for Parkinson’s.

There has been much interest and supporting research into the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s in recent years. For example, a 2014 study which looked at fecal samples also found the intestinal microbiome to be altered in the people with Parkinson’s and related to motor symptoms. Another more recent study also suggests implications for non-motor symptoms and quality of life.

• Scientific article
• CPT web story
• Related research 2014
• Related research 2016
• Scientific American article 2018

Listen to an interesting BBC Gateway to the Mind radio episode looking into the connection between the gut and Parkinson’s as well as other disease areas.