Researchers discovered the likely cause in the intestines

Parkinson’s disease is a mysterious disease that limits freedom of movement. Medicine has been searching for the origin and treatment of disease for many years. Researchers from the Universities of Konstanz and Vienna have taken this complex research a step further. In one study, they found a potential trigger for neurodegenerative disease. The origin of Parkinson’s disease may lie in the intestines.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects older people, but can also occur in rare cases in younger people. Neurons are gradually destroyed. Consequently Medical encyclopedia MSD Manuals The disease is characterized by tremors in the hands or feet, stiffness, slow, reduced movements, an unsteady gait, and problems with balance. Non-motor problems can also be associated with Parkinson’s disease: such as depression, sleep disorders, and memory problems.

According to the dictionary, the average age at onset of the disease is about 57 years. There is currently no cure, but symptoms can be partially treated with a variety of treatments so that Parkinson’s patients can live with it better. The disease was first described by British physician James Parkinson in 1817 – hence the name. According to the University of Vienna, it is known that genetic mutations can cause Parkinson’s disease, but 90% of cases occur sporadically and have no clear genetic origin. There are special tests for early detection of Parkinson’s disease.

Cause of Parkinson’s disease: Are bacteria responsible?

A research team led by Anna Katharina Ockert from the University of Konstanz, in cooperation with the University of Vienna, has reached… New study An important piece of the puzzle about the origin of Parkinson’s disease may now have been found. The study was published in the International Environment Journal. Shown: Some microorganisms in the gut produce toxic substances that can damage our nerve cells.

Scientists have long suspected that our microbiome could influence neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the study says, the gut microbiome of Parkinson’s patients differs from that of healthy people Announcement from the University of Vienna. The research team focused on a metabolite from the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae, which previous research suggested could cause nerve damage. Microbes with similar characteristics are also found in the intestinal flora, which differs significantly in Parkinson’s patients from healthy people.

Scientists isolated the substance produced by the bacteria and brought it into contact with dopamine-producing neurons in humans. Study results: The substance had a destructive effect and reversed the loss of nerve cells observed in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers also examined the effect of this bacterial metabolic product – the so-called metabolite – on the roundworms. They then showed movement difficulties and specific neural patterns similar to those found in human Parkinson’s patients.

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Study into the cause of Parkinson’s disease: ‘A promising step’

“Our research demonstrates a concrete link between a specific bacterial metabolite and Parkinson’s-like symptoms,” says Marcel List. “It is another step in understanding how our environment, right down to the microbes around us, influences the onset or progression of such diseases.” , from the University of Konstanz.

Based on the study results, Parkinson’s research can now continue. “Although the study is just the beginning, it is a promising step towards unraveling the molecular causes of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases,” said Thomas Butcher from the University of Vienna.

By the way: A study found that eight specific habits increase life expectancy. However, night light should be avoided. You should also be careful with cancer, as more and more diagnoses are being made in people under 50 years of age.