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Published on: January 7, 2014
Vancomycin Pretreatment on MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Mice Exerts Neuroprotection by Suppressing Inflammation
Abstract:
A growing body of evidence implies that gut microbiota was involved in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of antibiotics pretreatment on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mice. In this study, vancomycin pretreatment was given by gavage once daily with either vancomycin or distilled water for 14 days to mice, then mice were administered with MPTP (20 mg/kg, i.p) for four times in one day to establish an acute PD model. Results show that vancomycin pretreatment significantly improved motor dysfunction of mice in pole and traction tests. Although vancomycin pretreatment had no effect on dopamine (DA) or the process of DA synthesis, it inhibited the metabolism of DA by suppressing the expression of striatal monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Furthermore, vancomycin pretreatment reduced the number of astrocytes and microglial cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to alleviate neuroinflammation, decreased the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway in both brain and gut. Meanwhile, vancomycin pretreatment changed gut microbiome composition and the levels of fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The abundance of Akkermansia and Blautia increased significantly after vancomycin pretreatment, which might be related to inflammation and inhibition of TLR4 signaling pathway. In summary, these results demonstrate that the variation of gut microbiota and its metabolites induced by vancomycin pretreatment might decrease dopamine metabolic rate and relieve inflammation in both gut and brain via the microbiota-gut-brain axis in MPTP-induced PD mice. The neuroprotection of vancomycin pretreatment on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice The alterations of gut microbiota and SCFAs induced by vancomycin pretreatment might not only improve motor dysfunction, but also decrease dopamine metabolism and relieve inflammation in both brain and gut via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway in MPTP-induced PD mice.
Insights
Vancomycin pretreatment improved motor function in Parkinson's disease (PD) mice by altering gut microbiota, reducing neuroinflammation, and decreasing dopamine metabolism via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis is linked to gut microbiota, but mechanisms remain unclear.
- Antibiotic interventions are being explored for their potential impact on PD.
- Investigating the role of gut microbiota modulation in PD models is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of vancomycin pretreatment in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying vancomycin's effects, focusing on gut microbiota, neuroinflammation, and dopamine metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Vancomycin pretreatment administered orally for 14 days to mice.
- Establishment of an acute Parkinson's disease model using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).
- Assessment of motor function, dopamine metabolism, neuroinflammation markers, and gut microbiome composition.
Main Results:
- Vancomycin pretreatment significantly improved motor function in MPTP-induced PD mice.
- Inhibition of dopamine metabolism by suppressing striatal monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) expression.
- Reduced neuroinflammation indicated by decreased astrocytes, microglial cells, and suppressed TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling.
- Alterations in gut microbiome composition and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with increased Akkermansia and Blautia.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin pretreatment exerts neuroprotection in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice.
- Modulation of gut microbiota and SCFAs by vancomycin may improve motor function.
- Vancomycin reduces dopamine metabolic rate and alleviates neuroinflammation via the microbiota-gut-brain axis and TLR4 signaling pathway.

