A new clinical trial has found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) might be a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study reveals a connection between the gut microbiome and PD, as patients with PD often have altered gut bacteria and increased intestinal inflammation. By transplanting healthy donor stool into patients with early-stage PD, researchers observed significant improvements in motor functions and reductions in constipation over the course of 12 months.
The clinical study demonstrated that FMT significantly improved motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients compared to a placebo group following one year. This research highlights the emerging link between the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that gut bacteria play a crucial role in the development and symptomatology of PD. The success of this study opens the door for further research into targeted therapies, such as developing a ‘bacterial pill’ that might offer a less invasive treatment option for PD in the future.
Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by both motoric and non-motoric symptoms. While motoric symptoms, such as balance problems and tremors, are well-known, non-motoric symptoms like constipation and loss of smell often develop up to 20 years before diagnosis.
In PD, a protein called alpha-synuclein misfolds and clumps together, damaging dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain and leading to the characteristic symptoms. Current treatments primarily involve medications that replace dopamine but often come with side effects and lose effectiveness over time.
The clumping of protein is believed to start in the gut wall and reach the brain through the vagus nerve, which connects the gut and the brain. The role of gut bacteria in this process is becoming increasingly apparent. Research suggests that patients with Parkinson’s often have an altered gut microbiome compared to healthy individuals, as well as increased inflammation and a disrupted intestinal barrier.
To explore the potential impact of FMT on PD symptoms, the neurology department at the University Hospital Ghent collaborated with Ghent University and the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research. The team conducted a clinical study named GUT-PARFECT, which recruited participants with early-stage PD and healthy donors. The participants with PD received healthy donor stool through a tube inserted through the nose and advanced into the small intestine.
The results of the study were encouraging, as participants who received the healthy donor stool transplant showed a significant improvement in their motor symptoms. This improvement became more pronounced between the sixth and twelfth month following the transplant, indicating a potential long-lasting effect. Additionally, participants experienced a reduction in constipation, a bothersome symptom for many PD patients.
This study represents a significant step forward in the search for new treatment options for Parkinson’s disease. It was made possible through the support of patient organizations, donations to the UGent Parkinson Research Fund, and the willingness of participants to undergo the invasive procedures.
Further research is needed to determine which bacteria have a positive influence and how they might be utilized in the development of targeted therapies. The findings from this study provide promising insights into the potential of FMT as a valuable treatment for Parkinson’s disease, offering a safe, effective, and potentially cost-effective way to improve symptoms
