As of: February 6, 2024, 4:22 p.m
By: Judith Braun
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The causes of Parkinson's are not yet fully understood scientifically.
In a study, researchers are now discovering a new trigger.
Parkinson's is one of the so-called neurodegenerative diseases.
Nerve cells are progressively destroyed through the accumulation and clumping of certain proteins.
Neurons that produce dopamine are particularly affected.
However, so far the causes of the suffering have only been partially researched.
Genetic changes are considered to be a trigger for the disease.
However, in 90 percent of cases, the typical symptoms occur without a genetic origin.
A research team led by scientist Anna-Katharina Ückert from the University of Konstanz has now discovered another possible cause of Parkinson's, which is said to be in the intestine.
Researchers discover possible cause of Parkinson's in the intestine
A significant risk factor for Parkinson's is age.
However, there are other causes for the neurodegenerative disease.
© HighwayStarz/IMAGO
For the study published in the journal
Environment International,
the researchers examined the effect of a so-called metabolite.
This is a metabolic product of microorganisms.
Since Parkinson's patients have a different combination of microbes in their intestines compared to healthy people, the intestinal flora and the microbiome are also suspected as possible triggers for the neurodegenerative disease.
There is evidence that the metabolites can selectively attack neurons that produce dopamine.
The research team therefore examined such a metabolic product of the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae, which occurs in the soil and has similar metabolic pathways and products as microorganisms in our body.
For the analysis, the scientists isolated the metabolite from extracts of Streptomyces venezuelae in several purification steps.
It was identified using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).
In addition, the identified substance was also produced chemically.
Both substances were added in the laboratory to human dopamine-producing neurons, other human nerve cells and non-neuronal human cells.
Finally, the researchers observed whether brain cells deformed or died.
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Animal experiment shows the effect of bacterial poison - further causes of Parkinson's
The results showed that the metabolite consists of aerugin and aeruginol.
These are 2-hydroxyphenyl thiazoline compounds.
They are found in both the microbiome and several pathogens.
In the study, they destroyed human nerve cells such as the dopamine-producing neurons.
Further research revealed that aerugin in combination with iron is toxic to cells.
Similar to Parkinson's, the neurodegeneration triggered by the substance led to the death of the neurons.
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In an experiment with nematodes, the animals also developed movement difficulties and specific neuronal patterns after contact with the bacterial toxin.
These were similar to those of Parkinson's patients.
The researchers found that the toxin in the worms also specifically attacked the dopamine-producing nerve cells.
According to study author Marcel Leist from the University of Konstanz, the findings “establish a tangible connection between a specific bacterial metabolite and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s.
It is another step in understanding how our environment, down to the microbes around us, might influence the onset or progression of such diseases.”
Other possible causes of Parkinson's disease
In addition to the genetic trigger, age also plays an important role.
Age is therefore a significant risk factor for Parkinson's disease, even if it is not yet clear which aging processes are involved in the development of Parkinson's disease.
Scientists are also conducting research into environmental factors (e.g. agricultural pesticides and industrial chemicals found in the environment) and viruses, as these are also suspected to be possible triggers for Parkinson's.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.