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Malassezia and Parkinson's Disease
Martin Laurence1, Julián Benito-León2,3,4, Frédéric Calon5,6
1Shipshaw Labs, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Frontiers in Neurology
|August 10, 2019
Summary
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are linked. The fungus Malassezia, causing SD, may contribute to PD by affecting dopamine neurons in the brain. Antifungal treatments could be explored for Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) involves dopamine neuron loss in the substantia nigra, with unknown causes.
- Seborrheic dermatitis (SD), linked to Malassezia fungus, shows a significant association with increased PD risk.
- Malassezia, previously skin-confined, is now found in the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the hypothesis that Malassezia fungus contributes to the etiology of Parkinson's disease.
- To investigate the potential role of Malassezia in the neurodegenerative processes observed in PD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature linking PD, SD, Malassezia, and genetic factors.
- Analysis of evidence suggesting Malassezia's presence and potential impact within the CNS.
- Examination of genetic predispositions and immune responses related to PD and fungal infections.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors associated with PD (e.g., LRRK2, GBA) enhance cellular lipids, favoring Malassezia growth.
- Immune responses in conditions like Crohn's disease, linked to PD-associated genes, involve anti-fungal activity against Malassezia.
- Malassezia exhibits stimulated growth and melanin synthesis in response to L-DOPA, a PD treatment, potentially increasing neuroinvasiveness.
Conclusions:
- Malassezia's presence in the CNS is plausible and may play a role in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to confirm Malassezia's role in the substantia nigra.
- Antifungal therapies represent a potential avenue for future Parkinson's disease treatment investigations.