Gut Microbes and Neuropathology: Is There a Causal Nexus?

Abstract

The gut microbiota is a virtual organ which produces a myriad of molecules that the brain and other organs require. Humans and microbes are in a symbiotic relationship, we feed the microbes, and in turn, they provide us with essential molecules. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla account for around 80% of the total human gut microbiota, and approximately 1000 species of bacteria have been identified in the human gut. In adults, the main factors influencing microbiota structure are diet, exercise, stress, disease and medications. In this narrative review, we explore the involvement of the gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and autism, as these are such high-prevalence disorders. We focus on preclinical studies that increase the understanding of disease pathophysiology. We examine the potential for targeting the gut microbiota in the development of novel therapies and the limitations of the currently published clinical studies. We conclude that while the field shows enormous promise, further large-scale studies are required if a causal link between these disorders and gut microbes is to be definitively established.

The protective role of microbiota in the prevention of MPTP/P-induced Parkinson's disease by resveratrol

“…The F/B ratio explores the relationship between the two dominant phyla, and is thought to be connected with various diseases. 38 In this study, consistent with certain studies, the ratio of F/B and the abundance of Lachnospiraceae were decreased, while Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the PD group. 6,16,38,39 However, the abundances of Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia, which were reported to be obviously enriched in patients and in rotenone-induced PD mice, 5,17,40 were decreased in this study.…”

“…38 In this study, consistent with certain studies, the ratio of F/B and the abundance of Lachnospiraceae were decreased, while Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the PD group. 6,16,38,39 However, the abundances of Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia, which were reported to be obviously enriched in patients and in rotenone-induced PD mice, 5,17,40 were decreased in this study. It is noteworthy that some studies on altered microbiota are contradictory.…”

Intestinal Microbiota and Sleep Inversion

“…Таким образом, ряд исследователей не без оснований полагают, что повышение риска воспалительных, метаболических и неврологических заболеваний связано с инверсией или хроническим дефицитом сна [14]. Депривация ночного сна способствует замедлению активации противовоспалительного ответа [33,34,46]. Существует двусторонняя тесная связь между нормальным сном, выработкой мелатонина и разнообразием микробиоты кишечника и ее метаболитов, включая микроРНК.…”

The Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Parkinson’s Disease: Implications on Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The role of GMBA in PD may be considered, for certain aspects, a novel intriguing chapter in the complexity characterizing PD pathogenesis and evolution [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], for which the role of immunity (particularly T-reg cells) might be fundamental [ 27 ]. Nevertheless, further insights are needed to better disclose this captivating relationship.…”