AD/PD 2021 | Gut inflammation and microbiota changes in PD

Evidence suggests that patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) show changes in gut inflammation, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the gut microbiota. Malú Tansey, PhD, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, shares the details of a study designed to compare these factors in PD patients and healthy controls, as well as looking at their impact on clinical features of PD. Stool and plasma samples from 55 PD patients and 56 controls were analyzed. The results showed that gut inflammation and fecal SCFA reductions occurred in PD in a sex-dependent manner. Microbiota composition was associated with SCFA and inflammatory factor levels in the stool, revealing potential alterations in microbiota-host interactions. Additionally, a link between intestinal inflammatory responses and early PD onset was identified. This interview took place during the AD/PD™ 2021 conference.