A study from Nagoya University in Japan has uncovered a link between gut bacteria and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The researchers found that PD patients had fewer genes in gut bacteria that make vitamins B2 and B7. They also found that low levels of these vitamins are associated with impaired intestinal barrier function, which in PD can allow toxins to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation.
Their research suggests that vitamin B may be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease affects daily life with symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, stiffness and balance problems. About 1-2% of people over the age of 55 have Parkinson’s disease.
Gut bacteria, called the gut microbiota, play a key role in health by maintaining the intestinal barrier that prevents toxins from entering the blood and reaching the brain, where they can cause inflammation.
To study the gut microbiota in PD, Nishiwaki Hiroshi and Ueyama Jun used shotgun sequencing to analyze stool samples from PD patients in Japan, the United States, Germany, China, and Taiwan to understand the microbial communities and genetic makeup.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson’s disease had fewer bacterial genes that make riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7). These vitamins, which come from food and gut bacteria, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in Parkinson’s disease.
Vitamin B is essential for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines, which strengthen the intestinal barrier and prevent toxins from entering the blood. Levels of these were lower in stool samples from PD patients.
These findings suggest that low levels of SCFAs and polyamines may explain the progression of Parkinson’s disease. “Decreased polyamines and SCFAs thin the intestinal mucus and increase its permeability, allowing toxins to reach nerves and cause the accumulation of harmful alpha-synuclein and brain inflammation,” Nishiwaki explained.
Riboflavin and biotin supplements can help alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression. This study shows the importance of understanding the relationship between gut bacteria, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. In the future, it may be possible to personalize treatment based on each patient’s microbiome. By adjusting the levels of gut bacteria, it may be possible to slow PD symptoms.
Nishiwaki said: “We can analyze the patient’s gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. Using these results, we can identify deficiencies and give riboflavin and biotin supplements as treatment.”
Journal References:
- Nishiwaki, H., Ueyama, J., Ito, M. et al. Meta-analysis of shotgun sequencing of gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinson’s Disease. DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00724-z.
