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The Gut and Parkinson's Disease-A Bidirectional Pathway
Susanne Fonseca Santos1, Hadassa Loth de Oliveira2, Elizabeth Sumi Yamada1
1Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.
Frontiers in Neurology
|June 20, 2019
Summary
The gut microbiome influences Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Gut dysbiosis and microbial factors are linked to PD, suggesting the gut microbiome as a target for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The human gut microbiome is a complex community vital for health.
- The gut-brain axis, involving the enteric nervous system and vagus nerve, facilitates communication.
- Environmental factors impact the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative disease susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- To highlight the role of gut dysbiosis and microbial components in PD pathogenesis.
- To explore the gut microbiome as a potential target for PD prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of landmark discoveries in PD research.
- Focus on the gut-brain axis and its relation to PD.
- Analysis of evidence linking gut microbiome alterations to PD risk factors.
Main Results:
- Gut dysbiosis and microbial-derived factors are implicated as risk factors for PD.
- Alpha-synuclein aggregation in the enteric nervous system may be triggered by gut toxins.
- Prion-like transmission of alpha-synuclein aggregates from the gut to the CNS via the vagus nerve is suggested.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome plays a significant role in PD development.
- Gut dysbiosis is associated with increased PD risk.
- Targeting the gut microbiome may offer protective strategies against PD onset.