Gut microbiota and Parkinson's Disease: a new frontier in understanding neurological health

Abstract

Increasingly recognized as a neurodegenerative disease with motor manifestations and progressive cognitive decline, PD has more frequently been linked to the gut microbiome. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and brain, plays a crucial role in PD pathogenesis. Exploration of the intricacies in the interplay between PD and the gut microbiome, together with the important mechanisms involved, will form the basis of this review. Gut microbiome activities as contributors to PD actions include altered intestinal permeability, neuroinflammation, alpha-syn aggregation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter production. Gut-brain axis communication that is highly facilitated through immune, metabolic, and neural pathways enables communication between the gut and the brain. Recent evidence suggests that the disease may begin in the gut, with GI symptoms typically preceding loss of motor control. Research has shown a significant connection between Parkinson's disease and the gut microbiome, affecting disease onset, progression, and symptoms. Therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT, may improve PD outcomes. Personalized medicine and neuroprotective therapies are promising for managing PD. Researchers are exploring the connection between the gut microbiome and PD to create new treatments for bettering the lives of those with the disease. By understanding the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and PD, researchers can develop novel therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life for individuals with this debilitating disease.

Keywords: A-generating neurons in SN; Bidirectional communication; Degenerative neural disorder; Gut dysbiosis; Gut-brain axis; Parkinson's disease.