Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:51
Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
The vermiform appendix impacts the risk of developing Parkinson's disease
Bryan A Killinger1, Zachary Madaj1, Jacek W Sikora2
1Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Science Translational Medicine
|November 2, 2018
Summary
The appendix may play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Appendix removal was linked to reduced PD risk and delayed onset, with the appendix containing aggregated alpha-synuclein.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis involves alpha-synuclein aggregation, potentially originating in the gastrointestinal tract.
- The appendix's role in PD risk and pathogenesis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the appendix's capacity to modify Parkinson's disease risk.
- To determine if the appendix influences PD pathogenesis through alpha-synuclein.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two large epidemiological datasets (over 1.6 million individuals, 91 million person-years).
- Examination of human appendix tissue for alpha-synuclein aggregates and truncation products.
- In vitro experiments using human appendix tissue lysates to assess alpha-synuclein cleavage and oligomerization.
Main Results:
- Appendix removal decades before PD onset was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing PD.
- Appendectomy was linked to a delayed age of PD onset, especially in rural populations.
- Healthy human appendix tissue contains intraneuronal alpha-synuclein aggregates and PD-associated truncation products.
- Appendix tissue lysates promoted alpha-synuclein cleavage and oligomerization in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The normal human appendix harbors pathogenic forms of alpha-synuclein.
- These findings suggest the appendix contributes to Parkinson's disease risk and pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:24Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...
01:24Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...