Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder classically characterized by impairments in motor system function associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. After almost 200 years since the first description of PD by James Parkinson, unraveling the complexity of PD continues to evolve. It is now recognized that an interplay between genetic and environmental factors influences a diverse range of cellular processes, reflecting on other clinical features including non-motor symptoms. This has consequently highlighted the extensive value of early clinical diagnosis to reduce difficulties of later stage management of PD. Advancement in understanding of PD has made remarkable progress in introducing new tools and strategies such as stem cell therapy and deep brain stimulation. A link between alterations in gut microbiota and PD has also opened a new line. Evidence exists of a bidirectional pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are being examined that might influence gut-brain axis by altering gut microbiota composition, enteric nervous system, and CNS. This review provides status on use of probiotics for PD. Limitations and future directions will also be addressed to promote further research considering use of probiotics for PD.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) stands in second place after Alzheimer’s disease among common neurodegenerative disorders [1]
One should consider that biochemical synthesis of some of endogenous substances such as L-DOPA might not be useful alone and needs further clarification on how to be translated in vivo and the impact on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics must be determined. There is another in vitro evidence from 2019 [180] that presents effects of probiotic in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with PD compared to healthy controls
Another study has revealed that females with functional constipation that treated with a synbiotics yogurt, consisted of Bifidobacterium animalis combined with prebiotics, showed an increase in bowel movement, stool quantity, and quality compared to controls [213]
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) stands in second place after Alzheimer’s disease among common neurodegenerative disorders [1]. Clinical features of PD include non-motor symptoms [11,12], including olfactory dysfunction [13,14], pain and sensory disturbances [15,16,17], and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction [18,19] These symptoms have, in particular, been considered valuable for early diagnosis of PD [20] because they can occur years before initiation of motor symptoms [21]. Considering some limitations in this study, further investigation has been recommended by the authors, including higher control of dietary factors and inclusion of both sexes [61] This is due to the fact that gut microbiota is influenced by several factors, including sex hormones, and diet [61,62]. This review briefly summarizes current knowledge on disturbed gut microbiota in PD, followed by status of targeted interventions, with a particular focus on the use of probiotics in PD
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