The research out of University of Alabama and published in Nature, shows that an imbalance in microbiome composition in the gut can lead to a host of disease including common metabolic (e.g., diabetes), inflammatory (inflammatory bowel disease), neurologic (Parkinson’s disease) and developmental disorders (autism).
In the case of Parkinson’s Disease, although historically defined as a movement disorder, Parkinson’s Disease is a multi-systemic disease and the earliest sign is often constipation which can precede motor signs by decades.
The connection between Parkinson’s Disease and the gastrointestinal (GI) system, including constipation, compromised gut barrier, and inflammation, has long been established but the recent research provides more detail into the connection.
Species that showed the greatest increase in Parkinson’s Disease including Bifidobacterium dentium, Actinomyces oris, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus fermentum and several other Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, and Streptococcus species.
Most of the species that were depleted in Parkinson’s Disease, including short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing species of Roseburia, Eubacterium, Ruminococcus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Moreover, decreasing abundances of SCFA producing species were correlated with increasing abundances of Bifidobacterium species. Additionally the highest concentration of serotonin is in the gut. Serotonin abnormalities have been detected at various stages of Parkinson’s Disease, from before the development of motor symptoms, making it a potential early diagnostic marker47, to late stages of Parkinson’s Disease where it may be a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Gut-Brain Connection
The research is also supported by studies out of University College London where scientists have discovered a link between common stomach issues like bloating and gas, and degenerative diseases.
Scientists have discovered that the nerve pathways between the gut and the brain, which create this sensation may also be linked to degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), plus mental health problems.
“The gut and brain share the same nerve chemistry and have a dialogue,” said Dr Anton Emmanuel, consultant neuro-gastroenterologist at University College London and the National Hospital for Neurology.
“That’s why when you feel stress and other strong emotions, such as fear, it leads to gastrointestinal symptoms, like rushing to the loo.”
The study, which was published in the journal Movement Disorders, suggests that brain disease can be caused by an unhealthy gut, as these pathways travel in both directions. It found that sufferers of Parkinson’s disease were at a higher risk of suffering from another condition called SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
The symptoms of SIBO include excess gas, bloating, abdominal pain and bloating, which are similar to those of IBS and often lead to it going undiagnosed for delayed periods.
But scientists are airing caution, suggesting that the bacteria could produce chemicals that affect the nerves in the gut, which could result in damage passed onto the brain and ultimately, in Parkinson’s and MS.
“We now think that neurological diseases such as MS and Parkinson’s are linked to the gut being more leaky, permitting pathogens into the bloodstream and causing an antibody response. Either the pathogens, directly, or the immune response, indirectly, may damage nerve tissue,” said Dr Emmanual.
Researchers hope the new results will help shed light on new treatments for the degenerative diseases.
