Oral Bacteria May Trigger Parkinson’s Disease
A new study identifies Streptococcus mutans as a possible trigger for Parkinson’s through a mouth–gut–brain pathway.
Once in the gut, this oral bacterium produces the enzyme UrdA and metabolite ImP, which circulate to the brain.
ImP was linked to neuroinflammation, dopamine neuron loss, and alpha-synuclein aggregation—hallmarks of Parkinson’s.
Mouse experiments confirmed these outcomes and showed they could be mitigated with an mTORC1 inhibitor.
The work suggests the microbiome may be an overlooked driver of neurodegeneration.
These insights open avenues for therapies targeting microbial metabolites. -Neurosciencenews.com
@notestomyboy Oh I can't tell you how happy I am about this news, I've got goosebumps and tears in my eyes 😍😍😍 Never underestimate how much hope and happiness you have for a young person you've never met nor do even know in person but is battling the same condition as your child 🤞🤞🤞🤞
@notestomyboy I had no idea he shared the same Birthday week and was the same age as my PANDA 💔 She has now officially lived with this cruel condition for more than she lived without it 😭 the gift that keeps giving she's awoken with tonsillitis this morning and we all know what's ahead now
If @mimslearning was available when my 5 yr old presented with acute onset OCD, tics, frequent urination, sensation change post-Covid, she might have been treated. Instead, she’s left with a chronic neuroinflammatory condition. #PansPandasHour@MichaelRosenYes@RealDeniseWelch