Brain-gut-microbiota axis in motor disorders

Abstract

Introduction: There seems to be a strong relationship and influence on the brain-gut- microbiota axis in the control and prevention of several diseases, including degenerative diseases that are related to motor disorders. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between movement disorders and the intestinal microbiota. Methods: Integrative review performed at PUBMED, using the descriptors Movement disorder and intestinal microbiota, in the last five years and having as inclusion criteria complete texts in English. Results: The literature suggests that the intestinal microbiota regulates the activation of microglia through the production of bacteria metabolites. Gut dysbiosis is believed to generate metabolic disorders with decreased production of neuroprotective factors, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, production of neurotoxins, and a misdirected immune response. Metabolites produced by an altered microbiota seem to enter the circulation and affect neurological function. Braak’s hypothesis postulates that aberrant accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn), a central component of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), begins in the intestine and propagates through the vagus nerve to the brain, given that αSyn inclusions previously arise in the enteric nervous system and glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, and vagotomized individuals have reduced risk of PD. Conclusion: The identification of the microbiota or its altered metabolites may serve as biomarkers, or even drug targets for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system. The microbiota can be modulated through antibiotic therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, prebiotic supplementation, dietary interventions and many other potential methods.