Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis: A New Perspective on Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common degenerative disorder of the central nervous system with an increasing incidence. Its pathological hallmarks include dopaminergic neuronal degeneration and loss, along with abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein. The underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Recent studies indicate that gut microbiota play a significant role in the onset and progression of PD through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. They not only influence intestinal barrier permeability via immune, endocrine, and neural systems but may also be implicated in the origin of pathological α-synuclein, thereby affecting PD progression. Currently, modulating the gut microbiota has become a key direction for PD prevention and treatment. Approaches such as fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotic supplementation, dietary adjustments, and traditional Chinese medicine can all regulate the gut microbiota, suggesting future research directions. This review examines the relationship between the gut microbiota and Parkinson’s disease, as well as therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota, aiming to provide new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.