Research advances in the microbiota‑gut‑brain axis and Parkinson's disease (Review)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with diverse pathogenic mechanisms. The microbiota‑gut‑brain axis is closely related to the development of PD, in which non‑motor symptoms are considered to be the early manifestation and exacerbation of the disease. Nevertheless, reliable diagnostic criteria or biomarkers for PD have not been fully developed. The gut microbiota as a key transmitter of the gut‑brain axis, can affect disease progression through a variety of pathways, and may be a potential therapeutic target for PD. Therefore, new strategies have been developed with the aim to prevent and control PD by modulating the intestinal microflora, using tools such as antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation and vagus nerve stimulation; however, these interventions also face certain issues and challenges. The present article reviewed the latest research on PD through the microbiome‑gut‑brain axis, offering new angles for understanding and treating the condition.