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Related Experiment Videos

Does Parkinson's disease start in the gut?

Arthur Lionnet1,2, Laurène Leclair-Visonneau2,3,4, Michel Neunlist2,3

  • 1Department of Neurology, CHU Nantes, 44093, Nantes, France.

Acta Neuropathologica
|October 18, 2017
PubMed
Summary

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The gut-to-brain hypothesis for Parkinson's disease (PD) suggests pathology begins in the GI tract. However, current autopsy evidence does not support this theory, requiring further research for definitive conclusions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) involves alpha-synuclein inclusions (Lewy bodies/neurites).
  • Braak's hypothesis proposes PD pathology originates in the GI tract and spreads via the vagus nerve.
  • Alpha-synuclein's transcellular spread supports the 'gut-to-brain' theory, sparking debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting and refuting the gastrointestinal tract as the origin of Parkinson's disease.
  • To critically evaluate the 'gut-to-brain' hypothesis in light of current scientific findings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of human autopsy data.
  • Analysis of studies investigating alpha-synuclein pathology and spread.
  • Synthesis of arguments for and against the gut origin theory.
Keywords:
Alpha-synucleinDorsal motor nucleus of the vagusEnteric nervous systemGutParkinson’s diseaseVagus nerve

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Main Results:

  • Human autopsy evidence does not currently support the gut as the primary origin of Parkinson's disease.
  • The proposed mechanism of alpha-synuclein spread requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • It is premature to definitively conclude the gut is the origin of PD.
  • Further research is necessary to elucidate the etiological pathways of Parkinson's disease.