Gut microbiome changes may occur in early Parkinson’s
New research shows changes to microbes in the gut can be detected before Parkinson’s symptoms appear.
How does the gut microbiome change in Parkinson’s?
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of over 100 trillion microbes that live in the gut. Together, these microbes play a vital role in many processes in the body. Such as digestion, fighting infection, making vitamins, breaking down medication, and even mental health.
Changes in the balance of gut microbes may be linked to a number of conditions, including Parkinson's. Previous studies have shown that the gut microbiome might differ between people with and without Parkinson's. But so far, studies haven't considered the differences between those who are at a higher risk of the condition.
One risk factor is a change in a gene that is known to be linked to Parkinson's, called GBA1. Not everyone with a change in the GBA1 gene will get Parkinson's, but it increases their risk. Read more about gene changes and Parkinson's.
This study aimed to see whether changes in the gut microbiome might offer an early clue as to whether someone might develop the condition.
What did the researchers do?
The researchers studied the microbiomes of:
- 271 people with Parkinson's,
- 43 people with a change in the GBA1 gene
- and 150 healthy controls.
What did they find?
The researchers found that people with Parkinson’s have a distinctive makeup of gut microbes compared to people without the condition. They found similar changes in people who had a change in the GBA1 gene, but had not developed symptoms of Parkinson’s.
The ‘Parkinson’s pattern’ of gut microbe changes was most consistently found in people with more advanced symptoms.
Read the full study on the Nature Medicines website.
What does this research show?
The researchers believe their findings could pave the way for new tests to identify an individual's risk of developing Parkinson's, enabling early support. This research may also open up new avenues for Parkinson's prevention and treatment through interventions focused on the gut.
Our Associate Director of Research, Claire Bale, comments:
"This study adds to growing evidence of the importance of the gut microbiome in Parkinson's. The findings indicate that changes in the microbiome may occur in the very early stages of the condition and that the extent of these changes may correlate with disease progression.
"These results open intriguing possibilities for both the early detection of Parkinson's by looking at the microbiome, and for potential interventions. Over the past decade, we have seen the impact of physical activity on managing symptoms and potentially slowing the course of the condition. Our growing understanding of the gut microbiome offers similar hope that dietary modification could benefit those living with Parkinson's."
What research is Parkinson’s UK funding in this area?
We're already funding studies exploring this potential as part of our multimillion-pound portfolio of projects dedicated to delivering life-changing new treatments for Parkinson's. Such as Dr Marta Camacho's work, who's looking at the role of the gut microbiome in the progression of Parkinson's.
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