More evidence that Parkinson’s may emerge from the gut

A study published yesterday adds to the growing evidence that Parkinson’s disease may have roots in our gut. A protein known as alpha-synuclein, when misfolded, is considered a hallmark of Parkinson’s in the brain. Scientists found that the protein may actually make its way from the gut to the brain through a major nerve that connects the two hemispheres of the body. Mouse guts were injected with the protein, and by three months, researchers found traces of the protein in the brainstem and parts of the brain. Although the work was just in mice, the symptoms that the mice developed — including losing motor function — were similar to what those with Parksinon’s experience, and the mouse model may offer a way to better study the disease as well as test possible therapies.