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Updated: May 30, 2026
03:20
Measuring Constipation in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: September 22, 2023
Constipation triggered the malignant syndrome in Parkinson's disease
Emina Ogawa1, Ryuji Sakakibara, Masahiko Kishi
1Neurology, Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura 285-8741, Japan.
Summary
Constipation can worsen Parkinson's disease and trigger malignant syndrome by affecting levodopa absorption. Treating constipation with intravenous levodopa and herbal medicine improved symptoms, suggesting improved bowel motility may prevent Parkinson's disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor control.
- Chronic constipation is a common non-motor symptom in PD patients.
- Malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening complication.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old patient with PD and chronic constipation presented with fecal impaction and malignant syndrome.
- The patient was adhering to prescribed anti-Parkinsonian medication.
- Symptoms were treated with intravenous levodopa and oral Dai-kenchu-tou, an herbal medicine.
Findings:
- Dai-kenchu-tou exhibits serotonergic 5-HT3 receptor agonistic properties.
- The combined treatment successfully ameliorated the patient's clinical symptoms.
- This suggests a potential link between bowel motility and PD symptom severity.
Implications:
- Constipation may exacerbate PD and precipitate malignant syndrome by impairing levodopa absorption.
- Enhancing bowel motility could be a strategy to prevent PD worsening and malignant syndrome.
- Further research into the gut-brain axis in PD is warranted.
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