Gut neuropeptide involvement in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 10 million people. A key pathological feature of PD is the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (aSyn) protein in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Aggregation of aSyn can form Lewy bodies that contribute to dopaminergic neuron degeneration and motor symptoms, such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Beyond the central nervous system, aSyn aggregates have been detected in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, suggesting a link between peripheral aSyn and nonmotor PD symptoms. GI symptoms, often preceding motor symptoms by up to 20 years, highlight the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system (gut-brain axis) in PD. Although microbiome alterations and intestinal inflammation have been associated with PD, functional impacts on gut-brain signaling or aSyn aggregation remain unclear. Intestinal neuropeptides are key modulators of gut-brain communication, alter immune response to pathogens and environmental toxins, and may contribute to the function of the luminal gut barrier. Dysregulation of gut neuropeptide signaling, including vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuropeptide Y, calcitonin gene-related peptide, ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and substance P, have been associated with pathologic effects of PD in animal models. Despite their potential role in pathogenesis and disease modulation, gut neuropeptide roles in PD are underexplored. This article reviews current knowledge surrounding microbial metabolite and immune influences on gut neuropeptide signaling, aSyn aggregation in the enteric nervous system, and downstream neuroimmune pathway alterations within the context of PD and its mouse models.