New Delhi: Our body contains trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi, they are collectively known as the microbiome. These bacteria and other microbes in the gut help us digest food and support the immune system, and heart and brain health. A recent study has found a link between the gut microbiome and the role it plays in the onset and progression of some neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs).
Well, NDDs have no known cures and elusive causes, resulting in irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. The study has been published in the American Society for Microbiology.
According to a team of researchers, a new link in humans between a metabolite produced by gut microbes and 3 NDDs has been reported. Further, the investigation has revealed that the metabolite DHPS (2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate) may help answer the important questions about how sulphur metabolism pathways can relate to the microbiome to such conditions.
Specific bacterial and metabolite profiles of the gut microbiome were aimed to be identified in the study. The researcher tried to detect it in the individuals who are diagnosed with one of the three NDDs:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
Parkinson’s disease (PD)
Stool samples were collected from the diagnosed patients
To gather data on the early stage of the diseases, the researchers collected stool samples from the diagnosed patients during their two visits to a specialist and then compared the analysis of these samples to the samples gathered from healthy individuals.
As per the researchers, 19 metabolic biomarkers for neurodegeneration in all 3 NDD groups, 20 unique ALS markers, 16 unique AD markers and 9 unique PD markers. The study finally revealed that those who shared the biomarkers included metabolites that have been linked to dyshomeostasis in sulphur metabolism pathways.
Moreover, links to ‘Bilophila’ and ‘Desulfovibrio’ bacterial taxa in all 3 disease groups were found which play a major role in synthesising and degrading DHPS.
A recent study has found a link between the gut microbiome and the role it plays in the onset and progression of some neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
