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New research from University College London reveals that specific gut bacteria may serve as early indicators of Parkinson’s disease, potentially years before symptoms emerge. The observational study examined the gut microbiomes of 271 Parkinson’s patients in the U.K., alongside 43 individuals carrying the GBA1 genetic variant linked to a nearly 30-fold increased risk of the disease, none of whom showed symptoms. A control group of 150 healthy participants without the gene was also included.
Analysis of fecal samples showed that over 25% of gut microbes differed in abundance between those with Parkinson’s and healthy individuals. Interestingly, non-symptomatic carriers of the GBA1 gene exhibited microbial patterns resembling an intermediate disease stage, suggesting these changes may precede symptom onset.
Researchers also found that participants consuming a diverse and balanced diet were less likely to have microbiome profiles associated with higher Parkinson’s risk. These findings were consistent across more than 1,400 individuals from the U.K., Korea, and Turkey, indicating the microbial shifts transcend cultural and dietary differences.
“Parkinson’s is a leading cause of disability worldwide and the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in terms of prevalence and mortality,” said lead author Professor Anthony Schapira from UCL’s Queen Square Institute of Neurology. He emphasized the urgent need for treatments that can halt or slow disease progression.
Neurologists not involved in the study noted that gut abnormalities, such as severe constipation occurring years before motor symptoms, have long been associated with Parkinson’s. Dr. Earnest Lee Murray highlighted that this research supports the theory of a gut-brain connection in Parkinson’s development and opens avenues for early interventions that might prevent or delay the disease.
Dr. Aaron Ellenbogen pointed out that individuals with GBA mutations often experience a “gut-first” form of Parkinson’s, while others may exhibit symptoms like loss of smell before motor issues, indicating diverse disease pathways.
The authors acknowledged limitations, including the observational nature of the study which does not establish causation, and that not all individuals with at-risk microbiomes will develop Parkinson’s due to other genetic and environmental factors. Variations in microbiome composition across populations might also influence results.
“Early detection methods are crucial for advancing both research and future treatments,” Schapira stated.
This study was supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the UK Medical Research Council. The findings appear in the journal Nature Medicine.