Gut-Derived Sterile Inflammation and Parkinson's Disease

The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown, but evidence is increasing that there is a prominent inflammatory component to the illness. Epidemiological, genetic, and preclinical evidence support a role for gut-derived sterile inflammation. Pro-inflammatory bacteria are over-represented in the PD gut microbiota. There is evidence for decreased gut barrier function and leak of bacterial antigen across the gut epithelium with sub-mucosal inflammation and systemic exposure to the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. Preclinical evidence supports these clinical findings and suggests that systemic inflammation can affect the CNS through vagal pathways or the systemic circulation. We will review recent preclinical and clinical evidence to support this mechanism and suggest possible treatments directed at the gut-brain axis.

Automated summary

The etiology of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but there is growing evidence of an inflammatory component to the illness. The presence of pro-inflammatory bacteria in the gut microbiota, decreased gut barrier function, and systemic exposure to bacterial antigens suggests a role for gut-derived sterile inflammation in Parkinson's disease. Preclinical evidence supports the idea that systemic inflammation can affect the central nervous system through vagal pathways or the systemic circulation.