2023-10-07 09:30:06
Influence of intestinal health on Parkinson’s and MS: New findings from the University Medical Center Magdeburg
The University Medical Center Magdeburg has made significant strides in understanding the link between intestinal health and chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s. Researchers at the institution have discovered that the gut microbiome, which consists of a variety of bacteria, can have a decisive influence on the development of these debilitating conditions.
The research group, known as “Translational Neuroimmunology and Neurodegeneration,” led by Prof. Dr. med. Aiden Haghikia, specifically focuses on investigating the influence of the intestinal microbiome on the development of chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system. The gut microbiome has been found to be a crucial modulator of the immune system, impacting not only digestion but also brain function.
To conduct their research, the team employs imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with biological and immunological analyses, to identify relevant signaling pathways and cells in patients. In these analyses, human materials, including the isolation of peripheral immune cells from the blood, are utilized. Flow cytometry is often employed to characterize various immune cells in blood, cell cultures, and tissue samples.
One significant finding from their research is the discovery of a deficiency in the short-chain fatty acid propionic acid in MS patients. Propionic acid, an important component of the Western diet, plays a role in the creation and proliferation of inflammatory or regulatory immune cells in the intestinal wall. By adding propionic acid as a nutritional supplement to immunotherapy, the researchers observed positive effects on regulatory T cells, which are crucial in regulating autoimmune inflammatory responses. This supplementation led to a reduction in brain tissue loss and a stabilization of the disease progression in MS patients.
The results of this study highlight the influence of the gut microbiome on the mechanisms that lead to the death of nerve cells in the brain, particularly in chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases like MS and Parkinson’s. Factors such as genetics, environmental factors, and individual lifestyle, including dietary habits, can increase the risk of these diseases. The identification of propionic acid as a potential therapeutic option opens new avenues for the treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases.
The study’s findings are currently being transferred to other neurological diseases, and further research is being conducted at the University Medical Center Magdeburg. The interdisciplinary approach taken by the research team promises innovative solutions for the treatment and possibly even prevention of these serious diseases.
For further information or inquiries, Prof. Dr. med. Aiden Haghikia, Tobias Hegelmaier, and Alexander Duscha are available as scientific contacts. They can be reached via email at [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected], respectively.
These promising research results offer hope and incentivize further investigations in the field of Parkinson’s and MS therapy, potentially opening up new ways to improve the quality of life for patients in the future.]
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