The relationship between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease

Abstract

The unique environment in the gut and its astounding microbiota creates an ecosystem that is unique to every individual living on this earth. There are more than enough studies done which proofs that the strong neuro-connection between the brain and the gut impact greatly to the daily decisions and motor functions of its host. Previous research has shown a bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase which converts levodopa(used to treat Parkinson’s patients) to dopamine can have great impacts on the hosts body. There are also researches that shows that in a germ-free gut microbiota, the model object is less likely to perform symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The question waiting to be solved is: How can we isolate and cultivate healthy gut microbiota to find the key micro-organism that cures Parkinson’s disease. By filling in this gap using this research, scientists will be able to advance their way to finding cures for other untreatable disease. Not only will Parkinson’s patients benefit from this, many others who might have a critical condition could utilize this new method of medicine.