Gut microbiome can reveal risk of Parkinson’s, scientists say
Summary
Scientists found that changes in the bacteria living in the gut can reveal who might develop Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms appear. These changes were seen in people with a genetic risk and in those already diagnosed, suggesting new ways to detect and possibly prevent the disease.Key Facts
- Researchers studied gut microbes in 271 Parkinson’s patients, 43 people with genetic risk but no symptoms, and 150 healthy people.
- They found that over 176 types of gut bacteria differ between people with Parkinson’s and healthy individuals.
- Similar changes appeared in people with genetic risk but no symptoms yet.
- The gut bacteria pattern was confirmed in further studies involving people from the UK, South Korea, and Turkey.
- Some healthy people showed the gut bacteria signature, meaning they might be at risk for Parkinson’s.
- Changes in gut microbes may lead to increased levels of a protein called alpha-synuclein that harms brain cells in Parkinson’s.
- The vagus nerve may carry this harmful protein from the gut to the brain.
- People with the risky gut signature tended to eat more processed foods and saturated fats, and fewer fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods.
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