How testing the gut could help in the early detection of Parkinson’s

A Cure Parkinson’s funded study led by Assistant Professor Sandra Morais Cardoso at the University of Coimbra highlights the potential role of the gut in Parkinson’s disease and identifies new markers for early detection. The research focused on the gut microbiome, a collection of microorganisms in the intestines that may communicate with the brain through the gut-brain axis. By studying mice exposed to gut microbiome samples from people with Parkinson’s, the team observed increased gut inflammation, clumps of the Parkinson’s-related protein alpha-synuclein, and brain inflammation. These findings support the “gut-first” Parkinson’s hypothesis, suggesting the disease might originate in the gut. The study also suggests that biomarkers of gut inflammation and alpha-synuclein could aid in early diagnosis, potentially enabling interventions to prevent Parkinson’s onset. Researchers are continuing this work to deepen our understanding and explore future possibilities for treatment.