2023-10-13 01:28:03
Microbial Toxins Found in Intestines Could be a Cause of Parkinson’s, Study Finds
October 13, 2023 – A new study has discovered that microbial toxins found in our intestines may be one of the causes of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have found that certain microorganisms in our gut produce substances that can damage nerve cells, particularly those that produce dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is commonly affected in Parkinson’s. This breakthrough sheds new light on the role of the microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive destruction of nerve cells due to the accumulation of specific proteins. While genetic changes can contribute to the development of Parkinson’s, it is estimated that 90% of cases have no clear genetic origin. Environmental factors, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, have been suggested as possible triggers for the disease.
In recent years, researchers have also been investigating the role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s. Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s have a distinct combination of microbes in their intestines compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, some metabolic products of these microorganisms have been found to selectively attack dopamine-producing neurons.
In this recent study led by Anna-Katharina Ückert from the University of Konstanz, researchers focused on a metabolic product of the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae. This bacterium, although found in the soil, may have similar metabolic pathways and products as microorganisms in our bodies. By examining this specific metabolic product, the researchers hoped to gain insights into the harmful metabolites produced by the human microbiome.
Through a series of experiments, the researchers isolated and identified the bacterium’s metabolite. They found that this metabolite, a combination of two substances called aerugin and aeruginol, destroyed human nerve cells, particularly dopamine-producing neurons. Interestingly, the toxic effect of the metabolite was only observed in combination with iron. When certain antioxidants and iron inhibitors were added, the damage to the cells could be reversed.
The study also investigated the effects of the bacterial toxin on a model organism, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans). After exposure to the bacterial toxin, the nematodes exhibited movement difficulties and specific neuronal patterns similar to those seen in human Parkinson’s patients. Further experiments confirmed that the toxin specifically attacked dopamine-producing nerve cells in the nematodes.
“This research establishes a tangible link between a specific bacterial metabolite and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s,” commented co-senior author Marcel Leist from the University of Konstanz. “It is a further step towards understanding how our environment, down to the microbes around us, could influence the onset or progression of such diseases.”
While this study is just the beginning, it provides promising insights into the molecular causes of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The discoveries also raise new questions about the potential influence of other microbial substances on these diseases and whether knowledge of these toxins could lead to new treatments or preventive measures. Further research is needed to answer these questions.
The study, published in Environment International, highlights the importance of understanding the role of the microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases and opens up new avenues for future research.
Sources: University of Vienna, University of Konstanz]
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