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The Use of Primary Human Fibroblasts for Monitoring Mitochondrial Phenotypes in the Field of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 3, 2012
Microorganisms that are related with increased risk for Parkinson's disease
1Laboratorio de Neurología Molecular, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España; Red Andaluza de Investigación Clínica y Traslacional en Neurología (Neuro-RECA), Málaga, España.
Abstract:
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 7 million people worldwide. Its aetiology is unknown, although the hypothesis of a genetic susceptibility to environmental agents is accepted. These environmental agents include fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Three microorganisms are directly associated with a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease: the fungal genus Malassezia, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and the hepatitis C virus. If the host is vulnerable due to genetic susceptibility or immune weakness, these microorganisms can access and infect the nervous system, causing chronic neuroinflammation with neurodegeneration. Other microorganisms show an epidemiological association with the disease, including the influenza type A, Japanese encephalitis type B, St Louis, and West Nile viruses. These viruses can affect the nervous system, causing encephalitis, which can result in parkinsonism. This article reviews the role of all these microorganisms in Parkinson's disease.
Insights
Microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses are linked to Parkinson's disease risk. Infections can trigger neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in genetically susceptible individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disorder with unknown causes.
- Genetic susceptibility combined with environmental agents is a leading hypothesis for PD etiology.
- Several microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, are implicated as potential environmental agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of specific microorganisms in Parkinson's disease.
- To explore the mechanisms by which microbes may trigger neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in PD.
- To highlight microorganisms directly and epidemiologically associated with increased PD risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating microbial involvement in Parkinson's disease.
- Analysis of research linking specific pathogens to PD pathogenesis.
- Examination of the impact of microbial infections on the nervous system and potential for parkinsonism.
Main Results:
- The fungal genus Malassezia, bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and hepatitis C virus are directly linked to significantly increased PD risk.
- These pathogens can infect the nervous system in vulnerable hosts, leading to chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Viruses such as influenza A, Japanese encephalitis B, St Louis, and West Nile viruses show epidemiological associations with PD, potentially causing encephalitis and parkinsonism.
Conclusions:
- Microorganisms play a significant role in the etiology of Parkinson's disease.
- Infections by specific microbes can initiate or exacerbate neurodegenerative processes in PD.
- Further research into microbial triggers is crucial for understanding and potentially preventing Parkinson's disease.
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