The Role of the Gut-Brain Axis on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Date
Authors
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
The Department of Biomedical Sciences aims to provide knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to understand the mechanisms and treatment of animal diseases. Additionally, it seeks to teach the understanding of drug-action for rational drug-therapy, as well as toxicology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical drug administration.
History
The Department of Biomedical Sciences was formed in 1999 as a merger of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology.
Dates of Existence
1999–present
Related Units
- College of Veterinary Medicine (parent college)
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy (predecessor, 1997)
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology (predecessor, 1997)
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer’s disease. It is characterized by a series of motor symptoms, however, there are multiple non-motor symptoms that also occur. At the microscopic level, there is a degeneration of dopaminergic receptors in the neurons, and also an accumulation of the misfolded protein alpha-synuclein, throughout the body. The majority of the depletion of these dopaminergic neurons occurs in the substantia nigra. Recently, research has pointed to a change in the environment of the gut microbiota as being responsible for the development of Parkinson’s disease. There is bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain; this is termed the gut—brain axis. When the gut microbiota environment is altered, the patient is susceptible to several issues, including inflammation. When the microbiome is altered, it has also been found that alpha-synuclein will aggregate. Parkinson’s is typically instigated by an external trigger, however, it has recently been found that a change in the gut microbiome may be enough of a trigger. Even if the cause of Parkinson’s disease is not found to reside within the discovery of the gut-brain axis, there is much potential for future treatments and therapies within it.