Gut Microbiota-Based Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease: Neuroprotective Mechanisms and Current Perspective

Gut microbiota-based interventions could improve gastrointestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.

• Alterations in gut microbiota are linked to neurodegenerative disorders, including PD.
• Interventions such as prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation may increase beneficial gut metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and GLP-1.
• These metabolites could protect dopaminergic neurons through the gut-brain axis.
• Neuroprotective effects may involve mechanisms like enhancing neurotrophins and activating various signaling pathways.
• Clinical studies have shown therapeutic benefits of gut microbiota-based interventions, particularly for gastrointestinal issues.
• Effectiveness in alleviating motor symptoms in PD patients remains mild, indicating a need for larger clinical trials.

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