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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: September 22, 2023
The Small Intestinal Microbiota and the Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson's Disease: A Narrative Review
Gloria Carrossa1, Valentina Misenti2, Sofia Faggin1
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Researchers are increasingly focusing on understanding the microbiota's influence on disease susceptibility and overall health. The vast number of microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract and their extensive surface area underscore their undeniable impact on well-being. Viewing the gut microbiome as a distinct pool of microbial genetic information that interacts with the human genome highlights its pivotal role in genetically predisposed diseases. Investigating this complex crosstalk may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies-such as targeting dysbiosis-to complement conventional treatments and improve patient care. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial condition originating from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. Compelling evidence points to the enteric nervous system as an initial site of pathological processes that later extend to the brain-a pattern known as the 'body-first' model. Furthermore, most patients with PD exhibit both qualitative and quantitative alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota, including dysbiosis and small intestinal overgrowth. Nonetheless, the existing literature predominantly addresses fecal microbiota, while knowledge of upper intestinal sections, like the duodenum, remains scarce. Given the potential for microbiota modulation to impact both motor and gastrointestinal symptoms, further research exploring the therapeutic roles of balanced diets, probiotics, and fecal transplants in PD is warranted.
Insights
The gut microbiome significantly impacts health and disease, particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD). Research is exploring upper intestinal microbiota and therapeutic interventions like diet and probiotics for PD management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health and disease susceptibility.
- The gut microbiome interacts with the human genome, influencing genetically predisposed conditions.
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is multifactorial, with emerging evidence suggesting the enteric nervous system and gut microbiota are involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of gut microbiota on disease susceptibility and overall health.
- To explore the role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis.
- To highlight the need for research into upper intestinal microbiota in PD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gut microbiota and its impact on health.
- Analysis of the 'body-first' model in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology.
- Examination of qualitative and quantitative alterations in gut microbiota composition in PD patients.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiota is a significant factor in well-being and disease.
- Alterations in gut microbiota, including dysbiosis, are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.
- Existing research primarily focuses on fecal microbiota, with limited data on upper intestinal sections like the duodenum.
Conclusions:
- Targeting gut dysbiosis presents a potential therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Further research is needed to understand the role of upper intestinal microbiota in PD.
- Investigating interventions like probiotics, balanced diets, and fecal transplants may offer novel therapeutic avenues for PD.
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