Gut microbiota reconstitution and control of α-synucleinopathy with β-glucans: a promising approach for individuals with parkinson's disease.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) ranks as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative condition affecting individuals in their middle age and beyond. Its hallmark features include the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein protein and the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. A substantial body of evidence supports the notion that an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, contributes to the misfolding and accumulation of α-synuclein, a key pathological feature of PD. This finding raises the possibility that restoring the gut microbiome, particularly the bacteria associated with α-synuclein, could serve as a promising therapeutic approach for PD. There is evidence that β-glucan can play an important role in the reconstitution of gut microbiome. In this regard, this study reviews the evidence showing the role of β-glucan in reducing α-synuclein accumulation and mitigating the progression of PD. This scooping review study presents promising prospects for advancing novel therapeutic approaches to benefit individuals with PD.