A recent study led by Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has found a connection between gut microbiota and Parkinson’s disease. The researchers observed a decrease in bacterial genes that are responsible for producing vitamins B2 and B7. This decrease was linked to lower levels of intestinal short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, which are important for maintaining the intestinal barrier and preventing the leakage of toxins into the bloodstream, ultimately reaching the brain. Addressing these deficiencies with B vitamin therapy may help restore the barrier and potentially offer a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.n the study, researchers discovered a reduction in the gut bacteria’s genes responsible for synthesizing essential B vitamins B2 and B7. They also found a correlation between the lack of these genes and low levels of agents that help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream and causing inflammation in PD. The findings, published in npj Parkinson’s Disease, indicate that treating these deficiencies with B vitamins could potentially be used to address PD. PD is characterized by a variety of symptoms.Physical symptoms like shaking, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems can interfere with daily activities and mobility for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The frequency of PD may vary between different populations, but it is estimated to affect approximately 1-2% of individuals aged 55 years or older.
The microorganisms in the gut, collectively known as gut microbiota, heavily influence various physiological processes. Ideally, gut microbiota produce SCFAs and polyamines, which help maintain the intestinal barrier to prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. If toxins do enter the bloodstream, they can be carried to the brain, where they cause inflammation.Researchers from the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine conducted a study to analyze the microbial characteristics of the gut in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients from different countries. They used a technique called shotgun sequencing, which sequences all genetic material in a sample, to gain a better understanding of the microbial community and genetic makeup of the sample. This technique is important for studying the relationship between gut microbes and PD, as these microbes can produce molecules that impact neurotransmission processes crucial for mental health.A study found that patients with PD have lower levels of bacterial genes responsible for producing riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7). Both of these vitamins have anti-inflammatory properties that may help counteract the neuroinflammation seen in PD. B vitamins are important for metabolic processes that affect the production and functions of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines, which help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. Fecal metabolites were analyzed to confirm these findings.The study focused on the connection between reduced levels of polyamines and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The researchers believe that these deficiencies could be linked to the thinning of the intestinal mucus layer and increased permeability in the gut, both of which are observed in PD. This heightened permeability could expose nerves to harmful toxins, leading to abnormal aggregation of alpha-synuclein, activation of immune cells in the brain, and chronic inflammation. The researchers suggested that supplementation therapy with riboflavin and biotin might hold promise as a potential treatment for alleviating PD symptoms.”We could analyze the gut microbiota of patients or examine fecal metabolites,” Nishiwaki suggested. “With this information, we might be able to pinpoint people who have particular deficiencies and slow the progression of disease.”
The study findings demonstrate the significance of comprehending the intricate connection between gut microbiota, metabolic pathways, and neurodegeneration. In the future, treatment might be tailored based on each patient’s unique microbiome. By adjusting the levels of bacteria in the microbiome, physicians could potentially postpone the onset of symptoms linked to conditions like PD.Minister oral riboflavin and biotin supplements to individuals with low levels, which could potentially lead to an effective treatment.
